Ecosystem Grants (and Conferences): September 2023

Welcome to the September 2023 Ecosystem Grants blog post! This is a monthly series in which we outline various funding opportunities that ecosystem builders can apply for in order to better support their stakeholders.

Here at EcoMap, we know how critical sources of funding are to the longevity of ecosystem building initiatives.

From providing physical infrastructure such as spaces to digital infrastructure like ecosystem mapping tools (hint hint), these endeavors require time, resources, and stakeholder commitment to reach their full potential.

Typically, this blog post will detail all the various funding opportunities that can help ecosystem builders. But now as Labor Day Weekend is right around the bend, many of the summer funding opportunities have come and passed. The EDA especially had a plethora of NOFOs, including Build 2 Scale, STEM Talent Challenge, and the Tech Hubs program.

With only one big federal opportunity up for grabs right now (Recompete), I thought we could first highlight another great resource for ecosystem builders - conferences.

In-person gatherings are such a vital way to share information, stories, and words of wisdom between ecosystem builders. And there are two incredible ecosystem-centric forums coming up that everyone in this field should know about.

Plus ... we'll be there! Come meet your favorite EcoMappers on the road this Fall.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

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Conference Name: Ecosystem Builders Forum (affectionally known as eBuilders)

Conference Runner: The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA)

Dates: October 2 - 3

Location: Bethlehem, PA

Why Come?: InBIA is hosting eBuilders in the beautiful Lehigh Valley, partnering with the Northeast Ben Franklin Technology Partners organization, in order to highlight ecosystem building strategies happening across the state of PA that can be applied on a nationwide scale. Especially for East coast ecosystem builders - eBuilders is a can't miss!

Learn More

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Conference Name: SCN Fall Summit

Conference Runner: Startup Champions Network (hosted CO+HOOTS in Phoenix/Mesa)

Dates: October 24 - 26

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Why Come?: SCN is one of the premiere ecosystem building support organizations in the country, hosting two summits a year for the better part of the last decade. The SCN community is tight-knit but extremely welcoming to all who are interested in learning and sharing about ecosystem building. I promise you will not find another summit quite like SCN. Plus, who wouldn't want to spend a couple of days in Phoenix this Fall?

Learn More

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Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete Pilot Program for short)

Agency Hosting: Economic Development Administration (EDA)

Link: https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/recompete-pilot-program

Headline: $200 Million Funding Opportunity to Spark Economic Transformation Across Distressed Communities in America

Brief Description: The Recompete Pilot Program, authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, is investing $200 million to revitalize distressed communities and bridge the employment gap. This program focuses on geographically diverse areas where prime-age employment lags behind the national average. It offers two phases of funding, with Phase 1 supporting strategy development and Phase 2 supporting implementation activities.

Eligibility: Non-profits, universities, and city/regional/state govt or economic development agencies in certain designated "Distressed Areas". In order to see if you are eligible, please use the government's Recompete Eligibility Mapping Tool.

Award Amount: Strategy Development Grants for Phase I are expected to be between $250,000 - $500,000. Phase II funding is expected to average $20,000,000 per awardee (must win a Phase I to be eligible to apply for Phase II)

Deadline: October 5th, 2023

Submission Requirements: Here are the solicitation details

Read Our Recompete Pilot Program Overview Blog Post For More Info

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Want to explore how an EcoMap can help you be competitive with these grant opportunities? Book a time below to chat!