About the Program

Small Towns + Remote Workers = Transformation

Small towns in rural America are dying from brain drain, but they do not have to. Paying remote workers $10,000-$15,000 to relocate generates measurable ROI and transforms struggling communities into thriving ones.

The Thesis

Tulsa Remote Proved the Model

Between 2018 and 2025, Tulsa Remote relocated 3,475 remote workers to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The program generated a 13.77:1 return on investment, with 70% of participants staying permanently.

Settle the West replicates this proven model with a critical innovation: distributed impact across a regional network instead of concentrating in a single city.

Settle the West vs. Tulsa Remote

Geography1 city (413K pop)9 towns (16,750 pop)
Incentive$10K flat$10K-$15K tiered
HousingMarket rentalsCampus-built units
EducationNoneSeed Academy (25% discount)
FundingFoundation grantsGrowWise 7% (permanent)
ROI Target13.77:1 (actual)10-15:1
Retention70%75% target

Key Differentiators

Why Settle the West Works

Multi-Town Distribution

Tulsa concentrates impact in one city. We spread across 9 towns, amplifying regional effect and giving relocators more choices.

Integrated Housing

Pass Creek campus housing eliminates the #1 barrier to rural retention. Purpose-built units on 15 acres in Custer.

Education Pipeline

Seed Academy upskills participants with AI and tech training, creating local job opportunities beyond remote work.

Self-Funding Flywheel

GrowWise 7% allocation creates a permanent funding source. Tulsa Remote relies on foundation grants — we do not.

9 Towns, 2 States, 16,750 People

Partner Towns

Each town has its own character, its own needs, and its own opportunities. Choose the one that fits your life.

Custer, SD

Population: 2,100

BHC headquarters, Grow Campus home

Hill City, SD

Population: 1,000

Gateway to Mount Rushmore

Hot Springs, SD

Population: 3,500

Historic downtown, natural springs

Keystone, SD

Population: 340

Mount Rushmore gateway

Edgemont, SD

Population: 770

Southern Hills, affordable housing

Lead, SD

Population: 3,000

Historic mining town, Sanford Lab

Deadwood, SD

Population: 1,340

Historic gaming town, tourism hub

Newcastle, WY

Population: 3,400

Wyoming gateway to Black Hills

Sundance, WY

Population: 1,300

Where the Sundance Kid got his name

The Ecosystem

More Than a Relocation Check

Every relocator plugs into a full ecosystem of support — housing, workspace, education, and community.

Pass Creek Housing

Purpose-built units on 15 acres in Custer. Priority access for relocators.

Grow Campus

Co-working space and community hub. 6 months free membership included.

Seed Academy

AI and tech training. 25% tuition discount for relocator families.

THE OP

Coffee, local beer, events, and merch — the social heart of campus life.

Your Town Is Waiting

Apply to relocate, schedule a site visit weekend, or just ask us a question. We are here to help you make the move.

Get in Touch