RAPID CITY, SD – Elevate Rapid City announced today that it will be working with Microsoft TechSpark to foster inclusive economic opportunity, job creation, and innovation in the Black Hills Region.

This effort will be supported by a Microsoft grant to fund a TechSpark Community Engagement Fellow, who will spearhead local efforts, working with local partners, like Wildfire Labs, to help startups and local businesses leverage technology to grow, innovate and compete. This Fellowship represents the first time TechSpark has worked in South Dakota.

 “Elevate Rapid City is dedicated to empowering local businesses and entrepreneurs, recognizing their immense value in driving our community forward,” said Lori Frederick, senior economic development director for Elevate Rapid City. “Through this collaboration and with the support of the Microsoft grant, we aim to equip startups and local enterprises with cutting-edge technology solutions. We have already begun working with Wildfire Labs to help launch software startups and look forward to developing more opportunities for our business community.”

 "Since we launched TechSpark in 2017, we’ve helped communities secure more than $125 million in funding and helped create thousands of jobs,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philanthropies. "By expanding TechSpark to all 50 states, we hope to continue our hyperlocal, partner-driven work to help communities realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity."

 arlier this year, Microsoft announced the expansion of its TechSpark program to tackle digital inclusion in four focus areas: digital access, digital skills, computer science education, and digital transformation with local based organizations. Since its inception in 2017, TechSpark has helped its eight communities secure more than $125 million in community funding, skill 55,000 people, and create 3,300 jobs. Read more about Microsoft TechSpark here.

Dillon Matuska, innovation and entrepreneurship manager for Elevate Rapid City, will serve as the Community Engagement Fellow.

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About Elevate Rapid City

Elevate Rapid City was established in 2019 merging the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organizations to lead the economic development and small business efforts in the Black Hills region. We work to elevate the Rapid City region for all with the strong vision of making Rapid City and the Black Hills region the place people want to be. Visit elevaterapidcity.com to learn more.