A Place for Remote Work in Rural Utah

Grant funds available

As Utah’s population continues to grow and technology allows employees to work

remotely, living in rural areas is becoming increasingly attractive. To encourage

people to move to and stay in rural Utah while also enhancing the experience of working in a rural setting, the Utah Legislature created the Rural Co-working and Innovation Center grant.

Qualifying entities for this grant include counties, cities, higher education institutions, or private companies within a defined county outside of the Wasatch Front and Washington county. The grant helps these entities design and build facilities that provide the infrastructure and equipment individuals in designated rural areas need to participate in the online workforce. Each application is vetted by a committee that determines eligibility and grant awards.

Officials in rural Utah are hoping the grant will help reverse the trend of rural residents moving to the Wasatch Front for college, getting jobs, and never returning.

“We want our kids to come home,” said Callie Ward, an assistant professor who oversees the Center at the Utah State University Extension in Panguitch. “In order to do that, they have to have a place to work where they can access high-speed internet and equipment, and the feeling of ‘going to work.’”

The Center in Panguitch, which will open in April 2021, is housed in an old middle school. When a new middle school was constructed, the city renovated the building and moved the library and city office there. Now, through the RCIC grant, they have added a coworking space and a commercial kitchen. The Center hopes to attract workers who are developing software programs, running an eCommerce business, or who provide technical support and entrepreneurship. The commercial kitchen will allow food entrepreneurs to provide goods for local markets and restaurants.

In Escalante, the Utah State University Extension received a grant and is designing a space that is three times as large as the Panguitch Center. It will have more private offices.

Both Centers will offer one-time access for residents and others who need to send an important email or join a virtual meeting.

The Southeastern Utah Business and Technical Assistance Center, located in Price, was awarded two grants for two Center construction phases. Phase 1 of the project created an ADA-compliant coworking lounge, barand-stool desk space for up to eight people, privacy booths, a large meeting space, and a smaller conference room. Phase 2, set to be completed this year, will upgrade the HVAC system and add a 3D printer and virtual reality equipment. Michael Bryant, who oversees the Center, is hopeful the 3D printer and VR equipment will help spark innovation in residents, including high school students.

“They can design a product at their house or in school then come print it at our Center,” said Bryant. “The Center has really helped our residents, and we’re proud to contribute to their success.”

The Price Center opened in September 2020 and has 13 individual businesses within its walls, including therapists, home health and hospice, insurance agents, and a trucking company.

In total, nine RCIC locations in rural Utah are currently in operation or under construction.