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Codefi's mission is to eliminate the skills and opportunity gaps preventing workers and entrepreneurs in rural regions from thriving in the digital economy.
37% female employees
Codefi is a group of entrepreneurs who partner with private and public groups in rural communities to educate and train digital workers and entrepreneurs, build software-focused companies, and create community spaces to expand communities' digital economy.
Starting as a pilot in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in late 2014, it has so far supported the launch of more than 50 startups that have raised over $40 million in equity investments and created over 250 jobs.
Its annual 1ST50K competition provides the winning business with a $50,000 grant award, as well as a location in Cape Girardeau to get started and grow their company. Codefi's accelerator enables communities to create local wealth, more economic diversity, and future-proof jobs and occupations.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Nov 2023
$0.4m
GRANT
Mar 2023
$2.1m
GRANT
James Stapleton, PhD
(Co-founder)Previous Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Southeast Missouri State University, and co-founder and Managing Member of carGO Technologies, LLC. Currently serves as the Competition Director for Codefi's 1ST50K Startup Competition.
Chris Carnell
(Co-founder)Previous Solutions Specialist for Mitchell International. Current Executive Director for the Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation.
Stacy Dohogne Lane directs development, refinement and growth of the YCL, the only competitive coding program designed for 5-8th grade students with a focus on access, inclusion, and self-efficacy.