Uncovering and Harnessing the Power of Place
The Shorefast Institute for Place-Based Economies is building a dynamic catalyst for communities, governments, and businesses to strengthen local economies and drive national prosperity.
How can we create thriving economies that promote dignity for more people and more places?
Why Place?
We live, work, and make meaning in physical locations. When these places thrive economically, so do the people, nature, and culture within them.
What is Economic Development?
Economic development is the process of improving a region's economic well-being through initiatives that enhance growth, expand business activity, and increase employment opportunities.
What is Place-Based Economic Development?
A place-based approach capitalizes on the unique strengths and assets in the places we live to transform local potential into national prosperity. It fosters solutions that respond to the intrinsic natural and cultural assets within communities.
“Strong communities are natural ecosystems of innovation.”
By strengthening the capacities of communities to identify, harness, and amplify their specific assets, we can help enable economic agency and prosperity for places big and small.
-Zita Cobb, Founder
How the Institute Fuels Change
The institute’s work falls into three main categories:
Connect
A “network of networks” bringing together individuals, organizations, and communities across sectors to strengthen new models of economic development.
Learn
In-person and virtual learning hub for best practices grounded in practitioner knowledge.
Innovate
Financial and development tools to attract and retain financial capital in service of place and make economic systems more visible and understood.
Learn more or get involved – Contact us
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