WILDS ARE WORKING
Remote Work Toolkit for Rural Communities
Welcome remote workers. Revitalize your community. Inspire connection.
The remote work toolkit is a free, proven resource designed to help towns attract remote workers, support small businesses, and strengthen their local economy. Developed by the PA Wilds Center, the toolkit is built on the success of a three-year pilot program that brought new residents—and new energy—into rural Pennsylvania communities.
What’s Inside the Remote Work Toolkit
Our downloadable toolkit includes everything you need to plan and launch a remote worker residency in your community:
- Steps to structure your own remote worker residency
- Tips for preparing host communities
- Tools for marketing, housing, and coworking
- Survey results and impact stats from our pilot programs
- Templates for branded materials and welcome guides
- Examples of what worked (and what didn’t!)
Whether you’re just starting to explore this idea or ready to launch, this toolkit is designed to support communities of all sizes.
Why It Works
From coworking investments to community pride, the impact has been real, and lasting.
6
Host Communities across 3 years
27
Remote Workers hosted
$135,000+
invested into local businesses
90%
of participants rated the experience 5/5
3
Participants have relocated and opened businesses
PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIAL
“I was in Pittsburgh last year, and I spent two days. Sure, it was great, and you’re in and out. But getting to spend a month somewhere and meet the people and talk to them and see the culture… you feel a part of this community, in a way that I didn’t before. I feel like I went to high school here suddenly! I’ve shopped at this little start-ups - people with a dream who want to open a toy store and it’s great. It’s more personal than where I live.”
Gabe Mollica - Williamsport Program Participant
Ready to Get Started?
Join the growing network of rural innovators transforming how and where we work.
Have questions or want to share your progress?
Email LaKeshia Knarr lknarr@pawildscenter.org
