Uncovering and Harnessing the Power of Place
The Shorefast Institute for Place-Based Economies is a dynamic catalyst for communities, governments, and businesses to strengthen local economies and drive national prosperity.
Creating thriving economies that promote dignity for more people and more places
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
Meet the Institute: When Ecological Care Meets Economic Resilience
Nov 27, 2025 1:00 pm ET
Online
Join Gabbie Ledesma to explore how Shorefast’s Environmental Stewardship Program is building connections between community, ecology, and economy on Fogo...
Register for the WebinarSURVEY
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 surveyNEWS
How the Buy Canadian Policy can build an economy for all
Implement social procurement and Economic NutritionCM for increased financial transparency and community resilience...
Read the articleNEWS
Embracing Economic Nutrition: A Journey with 4VI Group
We’re excited to be launching a new blog series at Shorefast highlighting the partners of our first Economic Nutrition (EN) cohort. The inaugural program attracted...
Read the articleHow 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.
“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
Learn more or get involved – Contact us
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