--- title: "Empowering Rural Tech Innovators: Norfolk Secures Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship" description: Intersect Coworking in Norfolk, NE, receives a Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship to launch a Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program, empowering rural tech innovators with resources, mentorship, and training. image: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/hubfs/GroupPhoto.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/empowering-rural-tech-innovators-norfolk-secures-microsoft-techspark-fellowship#main-content) Close - [the space](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/the-space) - [pricing](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/memberships) - [Book a Room](https://intersectcoworking.skedda.com/booking) - [incubator](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/incubator) - [events](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/events) - [about](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/about) - [Build in Norfolk](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/build-in-norfolk) - [blog](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog) - jobs - [Remote INC Portfolio Company Positions](https://jobs.investnebraska.com/jobs?q=remote) - [Local Norfolk Positions](https://jobs.norfolknow.org/) [buy a day pass](https://app.hubspot.com/payments/CbAWvVxRRR?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK) [![logo](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/intter2Artboard%201fiv-1.png?width=1134&height=295&name=intter2Artboard%201fiv-1.png "logo")](http://intersectcoworking.com) - [the space](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/the-space) - [pricing](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/memberships) - [Book a Room](https://intersectcoworking.skedda.com/booking) - [incubator](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/incubator) - [events](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/events) - [about](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/about) - [Build in Norfolk](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/build-in-norfolk) - [blog](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog) - jobs - [Remote INC Portfolio Company Positions](https://jobs.investnebraska.com/jobs?q=remote) - [Local Norfolk Positions](https://jobs.norfolknow.org/) [buy a day pass](https://app.hubspot.com/payments/CbAWvVxRRR?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK) [Intersect Coworking and Incubator](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/author/intersect-coworking-and-incubator) Nov 7, 2024, 3:25:24 PM 2 min read # Empowering Rural Tech Innovators: Norfolk Secures Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship [Previous](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/fostering-innovation-a-recap-of-intersects-quick-pitch-competition) [Next](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/big-idea) Exciting news for rural tech enthusiasts! Intersect Coworking and Incubator in Norfolk, Nebraska, has been awarded a Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship, thanks to an application submitted by Invest Nebraska. This prestigious recognition fuels a dynamic partnership and the launch of our new Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program, a unique initiative aimed at empowering tech founders in rural communities. ### Meet the Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program Through this program, emerging tech entrepreneurs in rural areas can access invaluable resources: exclusive Microsoft training, mentorship from industry experts, and a robust support network to help bring innovative ideas to life. With the fellowship, Emma Bennett of Invest Nebraska stands out as one of only 14 TechSpark fellows selected this year, spotlighting the competitiveness and honor of this award. This initiative aligns with our goal of bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth in rural communities. ![Ryan Ruff](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ryan%20Ruff.jpeg?width=250&height=250&name=Ryan%20Ruff.jpeg) ### Welcoming Ryan Ruff as Entrepreneur in Residence A cornerstone of this program is Ryan Ruff's appointment as the Entrepreneur in Residence. Backed by Microsoft funding, Ryan will provide personalized guidance for participants from the initial stages of ideation to scaling their ventures. As a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in fintech and app development, Ryan brings extensive experience in guiding tech innovators toward success.   ### The Path to Innovation: Program Phases and Opportunities Our Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program is structured around several stages to equip founders with critical skills and knowledge: - **Ideation & Solution Design**: Turn ideas into concrete solutions. - **Product-Market Fit**: Test and refine product viability. - **Building & Growth Strategy**: Develop the solution and prepare for scaling. - **Ongoing Support**: Access continuous mentorship and resources. Through these stages, participants gain technical know-how in Microsoft's AI and development tools and connect with a community of fellow innovators and local mentors, all dedicated to fostering tech-driven change in rural areas. ### Why Join the Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program? This program offers unparalleled opportunities for rural tech enthusiasts: - **Microsoft Training & Development Tools**: Get hands-on with comprehensive learning modules. - **Personalized Mentorship**: Access Invest Nebraska’s tailored support network. - **Community of Innovators**: Connect with fellow founders and industry experts. If you're a rural innovator with a vision for tech, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity. Enrollment is now open, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. **[Learn more and apply here](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/incubator).** ![avatar](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/intterArtboard%201fiv-2-1.png?width=290&name=intterArtboard%201fiv-2-1.png) #### [Intersect Coworking and Incubator](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/author/intersect-coworking-and-incubator) ## RELATED ARTICLES ### [Intersect Coworking and Incubator Jan 10, 2023, 12:18:00 PM 3 min read How Coworking is Helping to Revitalize Rural Economies The rise of the coworking movement has been well-documented in recent years. What's less well-known, however, is the role that ... Start Reading](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/how-coworking-is-helping-to-revitalize-rural-economies) ### [Intersect Coworking and Incubator Nov 14, 2024, 4:04:28 PM 9 min read Big Ideas Take Flight at Norfolk's Inaugural Competition Big Ideas Take Flight at Norfolk's Inaugural Competition In the heart of Northeast Nebraska, the entrepreneurial spirit soared ... Start Reading](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/big-idea) ### [Intersect Coworking and Incubator Jan 11, 2024, 1:22:17 PM 4 min read Why You Should Participate in a Quick Pitch Competition - Even If You're Unsure of Your Ideas Have you ever had an idea that you thought was amazing, but you didn't know how to bring it to life? Or maybe you've been ... Start Reading](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/why-you-should-participate-in-a-quick-pitch-competition) [![INTERSECT-COWORKING-LOGO-ICON](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/INTERSECT-COWORKING-LOGO-ICON.png?width=41&height=50&name=INTERSECT-COWORKING-LOGO-ICON.png)](http://intersectcoworking.com)   [509 W Norfolk Ave,  Norfolk NE 68701](https://goo.gl/maps/NxSbt6Q2XUL8Njxe8)  [402.370.2347](tel:4023702347) [emma@investnebraska.com](mailto:emma@investnebraska.com) © 2022 Invest Nebraska ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Norfolk", "addressRegion" : "NE", "postalCode" : "68701", "streetAddress" : "509 W Norfolk Ave" }, "knowsLanguage" : "en", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/20802179/intter2Artboard%201fiv-1.png" }, "name" : "Intersect Coworking and Incubator", "url" : "https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/empowering-rural-tech-innovators-norfolk-secures-microsoft-techspark-fellowship" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "abstract" : "Intersect Coworking in Norfolk, NE, receives a Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship to launch a Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program, empowering rural tech innovators with resources, mentorship, and training.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Intersect Coworking and Incubator" }, "dateModified" : "November 7, 2024 9 PM", "datePublished" : "November 7, 2024 9 PM", "headline" : "Empowering Rural Tech Innovators: Norfolk Secures Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship", "image" : "https://20802179.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20802179/GroupPhoto.jpg", "inLanguage" : "en", "keywords" : "[Entrepreneurship]", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "Empowering Rural Tech Innovators: Norfolk Secures Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/20802179/intter2Artboard%201fiv-1.png" }, "name" : "Intersect Coworking and Incubator" }, "text" : "Exciting news for rural tech enthusiasts! Intersect Coworking and Incubator in Norfolk, Nebraska, has been awarded a Microsoft TechSpark Fellowship, thanks to an application submitted by Invest Nebraska. This prestigious recognition fuels a dynamic partnership and the launch of our new Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program, a unique initiative aimed at empowering tech founders in rural communities. Meet the Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program Through this program, emerging tech entrepreneurs in rural areas can access invaluable resources: exclusive Microsoft training, mentorship from industry experts, and a robust support network to help bring innovative ideas to life. With the fellowship, Emma Bennett of Invest Nebraska stands out as one of only 14 TechSpark fellows selected this year, spotlighting the competitiveness and honor of this award. This initiative aligns with our goal of bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth in rural communities. Welcoming Ryan Ruff as Entrepreneur in Residence A cornerstone of this program is Ryan Ruff's appointment as the Entrepreneur in Residence. Backed by Microsoft funding, Ryan will provide personalized guidance for participants from the initial stages of ideation to scaling their ventures. As a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in fintech and app development, Ryan brings extensive experience in guiding tech innovators toward success. The Path to Innovation: Program Phases and Opportunities Our Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program is structured around several stages to equip founders with critical skills and knowledge: Ideation & Solution Design: Turn ideas into concrete solutions. Product-Market Fit: Test and refine product viability. Building & Growth Strategy: Develop the solution and prepare for scaling. Ongoing Support: Access continuous mentorship and resources. Through these stages, participants gain technical know-how in Microsoft's AI and development tools and connect with a community of fellow innovators and local mentors, all dedicated to fostering tech-driven change in rural areas. Why Join the Rural Tech Entrepreneurship Program? This program offers unparalleled opportunities for rural tech enthusiasts: Microsoft Training & Development Tools: Get hands-on with comprehensive learning modules. Personalized Mentorship: Access Invest Nebraska’s tailored support network. Community of Innovators: Connect with fellow founders and industry experts. If you're a rural innovator with a vision for tech, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity. Enrollment is now open, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply here.", "url" : "https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/empowering-rural-tech-innovators-norfolk-secures-microsoft-techspark-fellowship", "wordCount" : "535" } ```