The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the award of a $5.5 million grant to New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) to design and launch a new initiative, Equity Impact Investments.

Equity Impact Investments will deliver a transformative, three-year, capacity-building program to 120 organizations operating at the forefront of equitable development in the United States. Funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, this initiative is a part of EDA’s commitment to ensuring the consistent and systemic, fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities.

NGIN leads Advancing Economic Mobility (AEM) to support local economic leaders adopt data, tools, and knowledge resources to advance economic mobility in their communities for low and middle income workers and residents. Economic mobility includes not only access to better paying jobs, training, and assets that appreciate in value over time, but also the ability to make choices for yourself and influence others. AEM advances the dialog on economic mobility through Practitioner Roundtables and direct support to five cities to implement economic mobility strategies. This project is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Learn more and get involved here!

New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) hosts the SMC Hub for Small and Mid-Sized City Leaders, with dedicated resources to drive inclusive economic development, advance racial equity, and reduce health inequities in US cities. This flagship program is made possible with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Community and economic development leaders are invited to join the SMC Hub, to access best practice, funding opportunities, and events, whilst making valuable connections with other Small and Mid-Sized City Leaders!

Equity Impact Investments offers tailor-made training and in-depth localized partnership support for Community-Based Organizations and Economic Development Organizations, with the understanding that creating enduring partnerships is essential to achieving lasting inclusive economic development strategies and funding coalitions. Join forces and co-design impactful projects to build inclusive economies. Learn more and apply for your community!

Created with the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Small and Mid-Size City (SMC) Hub is a practitioner-led community with opportunities for learning, technical assistance, advocacy, and connections to capital. Join the Small and Mid-Size City online community to connect with peers and be the first to know about upcoming opportunities and events.

Funded by the Economic Development Administration, this program supported six Economic Development Districts incorporate inclusive economic recovery actions into regional economic strategies and develop a National Community of Practice.

Advancing Worker Equity (AWE) is a learning and collaboration initiative focused on improving outcomes for low-wage workers, especially black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), by supporting economic development and workforce development professionals through research, guidance, and peer-to-peer learning.