Uncovering & Harnessing
the Power of Place
A national initiative to catalyse the holistic development of local economies, big and small.
Creating thriving economies that promote dignity for more people and more places.
The Institute brings together economic actors from communities, governments, and markets to develop, refine, and expand place-based approaches.
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.
Local Development, National Prosperity
By creating new models and networks to share insights and best practices, activate entrepreneurship, and develop coordinated financial strategies and tools, we can build a more prosperous and resilient Canada.
Interested in partnering with us?
Learn about our consulting services and workshopsLatest Updates
News
Money in Place: Newmarket’s Journey with the Shorefast Institute
by Shorefast Institute
Posted on April 22, 2026
Posted on April 22, 2026
Through an evolving partnership with the Shorefast Institute, the Town of Newmarket has focused its energy on mapping its local...
Read the articleNEWS
Community Reinvestment: The Golden Mile Finds Inspiration on Fogo Island
by Shorefast Institute
Posted on March 1, 2026
Posted on March 1, 2026
The Greater Golden Mile stretches along Eglinton Avenue East in Toronto's Scarborough – a largely commercial corridor bounded by five areas the City of...
Read the article
Webinar
A is for Art, B is for Belonging: Arts as an Economic Development Engine
May 28, 2026
2:30PM NL | 1:00PM ET | 10:00AM PT
What does it mean to root culture in place – and what happens when you do? 2:30PM NL | 1:00PM ET | 10:00AM PT
Join Kitty Scott, Strategic Director...
Register
“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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