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 Ephrata Digital Skills Accelerator
A 9-week, hands-on program for small businesses in Ephrata and across Grant County.
Technology should make running your business easier, not harder. iLumina helps small business owners build practical digital skills they can use right away to work more efficiently, strengthen their online presence, and make better use of technology in their day-to-day operations.
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Apply by Friday, October 2 for priority consideration. Applications received after this date may still be considered if space is available.
Ephrata | Oct. 14–Dec. 17
Wednesday & Thursday Nights | 5:30–7:30 PM
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Sponsored by
Program Partners
Build Your Digital Skills. Strengthen Your Business.
Everyday digital tools and workflows
Workspace and file organization
Practical AI tools for business
Websites and online presence
SEO and Business Profiles
Tools to save time and work more efficiently
Build confidence using computers, email, internet tools, file sharing and everyday technology.
Learn practical ways to use Drive, Docs, Sheets and other tools to organize and manage your work.
Explore what AI is, how businesses are using it and how to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Learn what makes a useful business website and work on improving or building your own.
Help customers find your business more easily through search and accurate online information.
Explore digital systems and workflows that can make everyday business tasks easier.
iLumina may be a good fit if you:
Is This Program for You?
Own or operate an established small business
Want to improve how you use technology in your business
Feel your website or online presence could be stronger
Are curious about AI but are not sure where to start
Find that email, files or digital systems sometimes slow you down
Want customers to find and understand your business more easily
Are willing to learn, practice and apply new skills
No advanced technology experience is required.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or Incident.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible area, agency, or staff office; the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, orby writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.
(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Digital Skills
Accelerator
The iLumina Digital Skills Accelerator Malaga was 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.
