Not one-size-fits-all.ALL potential fits foryou.
Customized frameworks, models, & automated funding-matching to build relevant economic development strategies best for your community.
PLACE
Pattern Library of Applied Community Ecosystems: Capital-type asset mapping, designing contextual models meant for small economies, not copying metro playbooks.
Research focus: Creating tools similar to BMC & Ten Types of Innovation but specifically for rural community economies.
SELECT
Systems for Evaluating Local Economic Configurations & Trajectories: AI-powered pattern-matching for development strategies + similar communities' successful projects.
Research focus: AI-powered economic analysis & automated funding opportunities filtered via rural definition eligibility.
RANGE
Regional & Non-metro Growth Engines: GenAI-powered strategy mapping to create customized economic development strategies specific to the resources and constraints of your community.
Research focus: Pattern-match successful communities' projects. GenAI for relevant economic development strategies.
"Every nonprofit and foundation across the country is going to want this [demo] immediately."- Maria Sudak, 20+ years Healthcare CXO Experience
Step 1: Review Your PLACE
Choose from 5 demonstration rural communities spanning different population percentiles and see how AI analysis works:
As a Design Partner
Help shape AI for your community—rather than wait to be reshaped by AI.
Data-driven, Community-led
Your community becomes a research partner, not a test subject. Your economic challenges & successes shape the AI tools built with America's small towns.
Designed Frameworks Custom Fit
We work with you to develop tools specific to the needs of small towns & rural communities. No more one-size-fits-all approach to economic development.
AI-Solutions Built With You
From policy decisions to product development, you can shape AI with groups of leaders like you. Solutions built with you in mind, not as an afterthought.
Personal Note from Founder, Chris Carnell
“I grew up in Sikeston, Missouri. I've built programs for over a decade and raised tens of millions to serve rural. I learned this: small towns are not just smaller versions of metros.
But federal systems have one-size-fits-all approaches that unintentionally cause irrereparable harm.
We have a unique window of opportunity to make significant positive change.
Together, we can ensure AI serves rural America instead of replacing it.”
“Chris Carnell has been one of the most thoughtful and driven leaders I have seen emerge from a rural innovation ecosystem. His work blends vision, rigor, and purpose.”
Founder, Center on Rural Innovation
“Chris is an authentic leader, innovator, and ecosystem builder, whose focus on delivering value directly and incisively to founders is matched only by his passion for seeing that value flourish in rural communities.”
Partner/Principal Planner, Slaughter & Willingham
“Chris Carnell is a rare builder—someone who intimately understands the rhythm of rural ecosystems and knows how to forge them toward bold, future-facing outcomes. As someone deeply immersed in growing these ecosystems myself, I see in this project a thoughtful step toward aligning emerging technologies with the lived realities of rural communities—rooted in people, place, and purpose.”
Founder & GP, RDF Ventures; Program Partner, gener8tor; Director & Co-Founder, StartUp Rutland
Ready to help your community?
Join other rural leaders who are ensuring their communities have a voice in AI development.