Our Approach
Place-based development, measured as community capacity
We strengthen an entire distressed area rather than extracting its most capable people — and we measure whether it worked across six forms of community capital.
How we measure wealth
Community wealth is more than income
We track impact across six forms of community capital. Together they describe wealth as community capacity — not just what any one household earns.
Social Capital
- Local business ownership rates
- Community leadership participation
- Social network density and trust levels
Human Capital
- Educational attainment
- Skills certification rates
- Career advancement trajectories
Physical Capital
- Property ownership rates
- Business formation
- Infrastructure investment
- Commercial district vitality
Financial Capital
- Credit scores and banking access
- Small business lending
- Homeownership rates
- Retirement savings
Civic Capital
- Voter participation
- Community organization membership
- Volunteerism rates
- Local government engagement
Cultural Capital
- Entrepreneurship rates
- Innovation and patent activity
- Arts and cultural institution development
Economic impact model
Opportunity delivered locally compounds locally
Each sector we work in creates a multiplier effect when the opportunity lands inside the community instead of drawing people out of it.
Federal contracting
Bringing contracts to local businesses, which turns into community revenue.
Global trade
Connecting agricultural producers to export markets, driving rural economic development.
Manufacturing
Delivering technical opportunity, which supports industrial revitalization and reinvestment.
Across every sector: local access to opportunity without geographic displacement is what accumulates into lasting community wealth.
Work with us
Bring opportunity to your community
We work with economic development organizations, government agencies, foundations, and corporate partners who want measurable community impact. Tell us about the community you serve.