Funding partnerships can help cover any costs associated with proof-of-concept projects, innovation programs, and underrepresented entrepreneurial programs. There are many foundations focused on impact, public service, and entrepreneurship. In addition, some impact-funds, and even the state and federal government, through the EDA may be opportunities to get matching funds for new economic development projects. Some of these may already have relationships with other ecosystem partners.
- High-impact, High-difficulty
- Example: The Marathon Fund \\ NLC-Kauffman CIE Program \\ The New Economy Initiative \\ CDFI Model
- Next Steps: Research and identify grant opportunities, impact-investors, and foundations who are interested in the kind of work you hope to do and reach out about opportunities.