Authors: Dr. Dirk Colbry

Summary

Dr. Dirk Colbry, MSU Director of Graduate Recruiting, Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, undergrad students in his Winter 2023 semester courses, and Chris Miller, Board Chair of the National Coalition for Community Capital (NC3) will secure and analyze data to set a baseline of community impact by projects funded by community capital raises. This work recognizes that while the need for data is pressing, the demand has come more from the traditional investment and venture capital side of the investment crowdfunding world, not the community side.

Specifically, the data that will be examined will be with a framework that highlights the impact on ALICE populations on economically distressed communities, on RRC communities, and on Opportunity Zones. Engagement with economic development districts and helping them and others with data and technical assistance. This work seeks to demonstrate how this tool works to build stronger, more equitable communities, and to help even more communities create vibrant local economies through investment and ownership.