Uncovering & Harnessing the Power of Place
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.
Latest Updates
Featured resource
A Possible Future for Canada: Capitalizing Places for Resilience and Regeneration
by Shorefast & Dark Matter Labs
Dark Matter Labs explores how Shorefast, in partnership with Fogo Islanders, are building a regenerative economy on the island...
Learn moreUPCOMING EVENT
State of Canada’s Cities Summit 2025
December 3, 2025 7:30 am
December 4, 2025 3:00 pm ET
at Ottawa, ON
The Shorefast Institute is a partner of the Canadian Urban Institute’s annual summit this year in Ottawa. The State of...
Register for the WorkshopsNEWS
Strengthening Canada’s Place-Based Economies: Lessons from the Inaugural Fogo Session
by Shorefast Institute
Posted on November 25, 2025
"Shorefast asks a powerful question: 'How can we create an economy in service of place?' They explore how community economies are organized, their shared challenge...Read the articlePosted on November 25, 2025
SURVEY
Place-Based Capital Survey
Place-based capital refers to ways residents and institutions can manage important local resources, such as land, housing, or...
Participate in our survey“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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