Article

EDCO received a $50,000 grant from Meta's Data Center Community Action Grants Program to launch the Crook & Jefferson Innovate project. The initiative aims to strengthen rural entrepreneurship in Crook and Jefferson counties and expand economic opportunities for around 51,000 residents.

It will assess the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, identify emerging entrepreneurs, evaluate barriers to digital access, and map existing resources. The project will engage local entrepreneurs and partners to gather input on business challenges, leading to county reports with actionable recommendations. This effort aligns with EDCO's broader initiatives to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Central Oregon.