What makes us different 

The Vernal Innovation Hub is a coworking, incubator center in the Vernal that supports entrepreneurs and new businesses. It provides flexible office space, inclusive amenities, and a supportive environment to foster creativity, connection, and success

Our History

Why we got started

The Innovation Hub evolved from idea to completion despite a downturn in the local economy. Uintah County had the highest unemployment rate in Utah, with 11% unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic and the reduction of oil and gas industries.

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The Hub started in 2020, when over 20 community leaders joined together to take a significant step in diversifying an economy heavily reliant on the oil and gas industry. A committee was formed representing 12 area entities in addition to small tech businesses and entrepreneurs. The group recognized the Basin’s future economy must incrementally move to non-energy production job creation by targeting online workforce opportunities, small business creation, and technology-based businesses.

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The vision for a Co-Working and Entrepreneur Center received a significant boost in June 2019 when the Governor’s Office of Economic Development solicited grant applications for rural co-working and online innovation centers. The Uin-Tech Committee submitted a grant with renderings and received $223,000 towards construction. With additional funds from the county, city, and Strata Networks (the Basin’s high-speed fiber provider), the Hub underwent a major remodel.

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The Hub’s development is a prime example of partnerships between state and local entities to accomplish a community goal.