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FSG

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Economic Development

FSG partners with corporations, foundations, non-profits, governments, and multi-actor initiatives to expand economic opportunity and vitality for communities around the world. Our goal is to help our clients and partners work together more intentionally, nimbly, collaboratively, and for the long haul, to disrupt the cycle of poverty for individuals and communities.

Microsoft worked with FSG to develop a strategy and operational plan for its global Community Technology Skills philanthropy program.

Economic Development Projects

Expertise

  • Opportunity youth and workforce development: Develop initiatives and partnerships that invest in the education, training, and career success of vulnerable populations.
  • Asset building, financial empowerment, and community economic development. Developing strategies to create greater economic opportunity and build wealth for both individuals and communities.
  • Cluster development and regional economic competitiveness: Developing pre-competitive partnerships between economic agents to improve industry performance and regional economic vitality.
  • Small business and supplier development: Building the capabilities of small businesses and local suppliers to improve the strength of economic regions.
  • Creating market opportunities to serve low-income consumers / bottom of the pyramid: Designing and validating new business models that work for low-income segments, and addressing barriers to scaling.

How We Work

  • Customized consulting: Providing strategy, business planning, and implementation support. 
  • Strategic evaluation: Designing evaluation systems and conducting evaluations to support data-informed decisions.
  • Cutting-edge research: Developing and disseminating fresh insights, knowledge briefs, and practical tools to improve the effectiveness of organizations investing in economic development.
  • Advancing collective impact: Developing and supporting initiatives to align the efforts of local stakeholders toward economic development.
  • Shared value strategy development: Designing and implementing business strategies that create business value for corporations while contributing to local economic development.

FSG’s customized processes for scaling our work resulted in a smooth transition from four separate entities to one, and a stronger representation of our model. Without their consistent support and sensitivity to our distinct differences, the process of getting to where we are now would have taken much more time and headache.
Liddy Romero
Founder and Executive Director, WorkLife Partnership
Managing Director, WorkLab Innovations, LLC

Research and Tools