Written by Stacey Sterns, University of Connecticut and the Northeast Communicators Network
Extension and research partnerships spark entrepreneurship, revitalize rural economies, and create lasting change across the region.
The Northeast is a region defined by both density and variety. Home to 20 percent of the nation’s population yet just six percent of its land area, it produces nearly a quarter of the U.S. gross domestic product. Within its mix of bustling cities, rural towns, farms, and coastal communities lies a shared challenge: ensuring that local economies remain resilient, inclusive, and adaptable in the face of shifting trends.
Across the region, Land-grant universities and their Extension programs are helping communities meet this challenge by turning research into action. The regional collaboration is leading to lasting change. Through training, technical support, and regional partnerships, they are equipping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and rural leaders with the tools they need to thrive in an innovation-driven economy.
“Our Northeast agricultural experiment stations and Extension services are grounded in historical legislation and operate in a trusted partnership: rooted in science, flourishing in service, all for the public good,” says Rick Rhodes, executive director of agInnovation Northeast.
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
In New Hampshire, Extension is strengthening local business ecosystems by providing entrepreneurs with training in financial literacy, business planning, and marketing strategies. This support helps business owners bridge gaps in resources, build confidence, and expand their ventures.
The ripple effects are significant. Stronger small businesses keep dollars circulating locally, generate employment opportunities, and fuel local investment. This aligns directly with the Northeast Agenda’s call for equitable growth and community resilience.
In rural West Virginia, Extension educators are working alongside community leaders to reimagine economic futures. Through research-based planning, small towns are identifying strengths, creating strategies to adapt to changing markets, and attracting new opportunities.
The result is visible in revitalized main streets, the emergence of new businesses, and renewed local pride. These efforts show that innovation isn’t limited to large cities or tech hubs — it can flourish in rural communities when driven by collaborative planning.
Expanding Broadband Access for Economic Opportunity
Resilient economies also depend on infrastructure, and today that includes broadband. Without reliable high-speed internet, small businesses, schools, and households in rural communities are at a disadvantage.
Penn State Extension’s Broadband Ready Community program addresses this challenge by guiding Pennsylvania communities through the process of planning and preparing for broadband expansion. The program equips local leaders with the knowledge to navigate funding opportunities, coordinate with providers, and ensure that their communities are positioned to benefit from this essential service.
By improving digital connectivity, these efforts open doors for entrepreneurs, enhance workforce training options, and ensure rural residents can access education, health care, and remote work opportunities. Broadband access is no longer a luxury; it is a cornerstone of modern community and economic development.
Supporting Workforce and Community Development
The Connecticut Sea Grant program and UConn Extension are helping sustain and grow the state’s aquaculture industry by working directly with shellfish farmers. Through a course, technical assistance, and business training, Extension equips producers with the tools they need to improve operations, expand markets, and navigate regulatory requirements. These efforts not only bolster the economic resilience of individual farmers but also support the vitality of Connecticut’s coastal communities, where aquaculture is a key part of local heritage and livelihoods.
In Maine, workforce development programs are tackling critical skills gaps. By designing training opportunities in fields such as health care, technology, and advanced manufacturing, the University of Maine equips residents with practical skills that align with employer needs.
These programs empower individuals to secure stable jobs while ensuring local businesses have access to a skilled workforce. Communities, in turn, benefit from increased employment, stability, and improved health and well-being.
A Vibrant Future
The Northeast Agenda emphasizes that challenges like extreme weather, workforce transitions, and economic shifts transcend state lines. Regional collaboration ensures that solutions are not only innovative but scalable, benefiting communities across the Northeast.
Innovation in the Northeast is not confined to laboratories or research centers. It is happening in local storefronts, rural towns, training classrooms, and through the expansion of digital infrastructure, wherever Land-grant universities partner with communities to turn challenges into opportunities.
“Whether a community is interested in improving the health of its residents, creating workforce opportunities to keep the next generation happy and employed, or improving the effectiveness of its local boards and commissions, Extension service the land-grant university, and related regional organizations like the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development are here to help,” says Ali Dunigan, executive director of the Northeast Extension Directors.
By equipping entrepreneurs with tools for success in New Hampshire, revitalizing rural economies in West Virginia, expanding broadband in Pennsylvania, and strengthening the workforce in Connecticut and Maine, Land-grant universities are laying the foundation for a regenerative, livable, and vibrant Northeast.
This work is made possible through capacity funding from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through Smith-Lever, Hatch, and 1890 Extension and Research programs, along with critical state and local support. This critical investment in Extension and research programs across the Northeast promotes strong regional collaboration for lasting change. The message is clear: investing in community innovation today ensures that future generations will inherit strong, resilient local economies, and a region that continues to thrive.