Matt Dunne, founder and executive director of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), recently visited the Sustainable Innovation MBA (SIMBA) program at the University of Vermont. He inspired students with his insights into revitalizing rural communities through entrepreneurship and innovation.
During an engaging session, Dunne shared his journey from growing up in Hartland, Vermont, to becoming a social entrepreneur dedicated to bridging the rural-urban economic divide. Drawing on his diverse experience—from Vermont state politics to his roles at Google—Dunne discussed how the Center on Rural Innovation works strategically to foster vibrant tech ecosystems in rural America.
"The age of the internet has opened endless possibilities," Dunne explained, highlighting CORI's efforts to leverage broadband and local talents to create resilient rural economies. He emphasized the critical importance of changing narratives around rural innovation, demonstrating through CORI’s successful ventures that innovation and entrepreneurship are not confined to urban centers but thrive in rural environments when supported by strategic investments and community-driven solutions.
His visit to UVM's SIMBA program provided a compelling example of how purpose-driven leadership can address economic disparities, stimulate local economies, and foster a more inclusive and sustainable future for rural communities.
The SI-MBA Innovator in Residence speaker series provides an open and intimate forum for SI-MBA students to hear from and interact with thought leaders in the socially responsible business arena. Innovators in Residence share their personal experiences drawn from work in B Corporations, sustainable development, social enterprises, impact investing, socially responsible businesses and leading nonprofits. Learn more about the SI-MBA curriculum and Innovator in Residence program and past speakers.
About the Author
Heida Helgadottir is a current SI-MBA student with a background in building political movements from the ground up through her work with the Best Party in Iceland, which was founded after the 2008 economic crash by Jon Gnarr. After leaving politics in 2016, she co-founded several companies with business partner Oliver Luckett. Born in Washington, DC, but having spent most of her adult life in Iceland, she came to Vermont for the program and intends to stay. She is excited to continue introducing her three sons, ages 3 to 20, to this beautiful state.
