Explore the 65 catalytic projects that ERC Fellows will be advancing over the next 2.5 years alongside local host organizations and communities across the United States, U.S. Territories, and Tribal Nations. Use the search function or click on a map point to learn more about each project and ways to get involved.
Host Benefits
In addition to the on-site capacity-building support and technical assistance provided by the fellow, hosts will have numerous opportunities to strengthen their own capacity and resources. These include quarterly virtual peer learning exchanges with subject matter experts, annual networking gatherings with other host communities, and three years of complimentary IEDC membership benefits. Among the many benefits offered to IEDC members include discounts on conferences and courses, professional development, access to IEDC’s tools and resources along with its online member directory, publications, and more.
30-month fellowship
$0 Cost to Hosts
Peer Networking + Exchange
3 Years Complimentary IEDC Membership
Who Are The Hosts?
Host partners are organizations or communities ready to advance a local or regional economic development strategy or transformative project but have struggled to find the resources to bridge the gap between planning and implementation. We sought partners that are action-oriented, and dedicated to building stronger, more resilient and reimagined local economies.
The ERC program was open to a broad range of public and nonprofit community and economic development organizations including, but not limited to:
- City and county governments
- Regional coalitions
- Economic development organizations
- Tribal Nations
- Economic Development Districts (EDDs)
- Education institutions
- Entrepreneurial technical assistance providers
Selection Criteria
Host sites were selected based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to:
- A clearly demonstrated project need that is ready for delivery through the support of an ERC Fellow
- A level of existing capacity to participate in coordination, connection building, planning and implementation of economic development strategies, and ERC program activities in partnership with the Fellow throughout the 30-month fellowship.
- A dedicated leadership team, committee or advisory board committed to collaboration and building robust and inclusive partnerships with diverse stakeholder groups.
- A good understanding of regional assets and issues that will enable (or constrain) a fellow’s work in your community.
- Priority consideration will be given to applicants located within a geography or regional context that aligns with the EDA’s Investment priorities related to Equity, Recovery and Resilience. Click here to view.