SSTI releases Rural and Persistent Poverty Map, consistent with Build to Scale Investment Priorities

With the release of the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its Build to Scale program, time has begun ticking towards the October 28 application deadline. To assist organizations with determining eligibility under EDA’s Equity Investment Priority, SSTI has developed a map visualizing counties that are either rural or in persistent poverty, made public through SSTI’s Technology-Based Economic Development (TBED) Community of Practice (CoP).

Figure 1: Rural and Persistent Poverty Map with Engines and Tech Hubs overlay

In addition to showcasing rural and persistent poverty counties, the above map visualizes the 10 inaugural National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) awardees and 31 EDA-designated Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs). There are five points available in the evaluation criteria for applicants within the regions of these awardees, for projects aligned with these awardees.

This article was prepared by SSTI using Federal funds under award ED22HDQ3070129 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.