PROJECT ILUMINA
iLumina is a rural resilience and digital inclusion campaign that brings resources to rural communities.
ABOUT PROJECT ILUMINA.
In order to help rural communities thrive we need organizations to meet business owners and individuals where they are: on their farms, at their stores, and in their libraries.
Together with our partners, NCW Tech Alliance will lift the Cascade curtain and skill our region for tomorrow's economy.
Digital Skilling Boots on the ground training programs to upskill workers in agriculture and manufacturing; and, Wifi Task Force works with ISP Providers, Public Utilities, and Schools to find the gaps and connect students
Digital Transformation Local tech mentors provide wrap around support to small and at-risk businesses to launch digital commerce, data driven decisions, & technology integration; and, Annual AI Expo generates curiosity and exploration of AI technology use across agriculture, healthcare, and public power systems
Entrepreneurial Innovation Local investors build opportunities for small business lending and investment, focused on succession planning for generational change; and, Startups gain the resources, support, and mentorship to thrive in rural cities
Rural Leadership Development Leadership development programs focused on rural resilience trains advocates across the region; and, Tech mentors work across systems to support both our pipeline of local talent and help drive the outreach/support needed for business transformation
Digital Skills
Accelerator
The iLumina Digital Skills Accelerator is a nine-week NCW Tech Alliance program designed to help Latino-owned small businesses strengthen their digital skills and grow with confidence.
Participants receive hands-on training in website creation, online tools, cybersecurity, payment systems, and artificial intelligence, along with the support and technology needed to apply those skills in real time.
Sponsored by
The first iLumina cohort graduated 28 local entrepreneurs representing 19 small businesses in Malaga and surrounding communities.
Over nine weeks, participants built practical digital skills in email, online communication, cybersecurity, word processing, spreadsheets, cloud storage, QR codes, payment systems, website development, and artificial intelligence.
By the end of the program, each entrepreneur had created a business website and gained hands-on tools to improve visibility, communicate with customers, manage payments, and strengthen day-to-day business operations.
