North Dakota has launched an interesting initiative, called Innovate North Dakota. Participants pay a $100 feet to gain access to a network of mentors and support tools. Winners of the competition get access to a variety of business services, and some cash prices. Read more.
You can learn more from the web site here.
The initiative is open to all residents of North Dakota, or people who want to start a venture in the state. In last year's competition, one third of the submissions came from rural counties in the state.