Jumpstart your region’s growth

Cluster Identification Training & Assistance

Regions interested in identifying industry clusters that are appropriate for public and nonprofit strategies
can apply to receive education and technical assistance with their approach.

Clusters are a proven economic development strategy that regions can leverage to drive growth, innovation, and resilience. By concentrating interconnected businesses, suppliers, and assets in related sectors, clusters translate collaboration and competition into productivity. Research consistently shows that businesses operating within clusters experience stronger innovation outcomes, higher employment growth, and increased economic performance compared to those outside of them. Cluster development strategies have been practiced most rigorously in Europe, but numerous U.S. regions have adopted the approach to some degree.

Now, novice and experienced regions have an opportunity to receive free training to identify their local clusters and understand how to prioritize relevant sectors for public and nonprofit assistance strategies that unlock their full economic potential.

Small- and mid-sized regions that are committed to creating and implementing a cluster development strategy can apply for further assistance: a one-on-one technical assistance site visit and a $2,500 stipend to support your work.

Cluster Training and Technical Assistance

With support from a national philanthropy, Excel Regional Solutions is able to offer
the following education and technical assistance to regions selected to participate:

Cluster Training

Regions will participate in a new, cohort-based curriculum designed as a series of workshops that will help advocates lead their regions in a process to identify and prioritize local clusters for economic development strategies and assistance.

1-on-1 Site Visit*

Selected regions will receive an in-person or virtual site visit to provide focused assistance with cluster identification and/or strategy development. The visit structure will be designed to match the needs of the region and its stakeholders.

$2,500 Stipend*

Selected regions will receive a stipend of $2,500 to facilitate focused participation in the cluster training and assistance process and for providing useful feedback on the further development of the cluster curriculum.

How to Participate

All regions are welcome to apply and efforts will be made to accommodate as many regions as possible in the training.

Assistance benefits marked with an asterisk (*) are only available for a limited number of regions and will be prioritized for those with the following characteristics:

Region includes a participating small- or mid-sized city
Region is able to identify multiple individuals to participate in the training
Region is willing to commit resources to developing and adopting a cluster strategy

Apply Today

Submit a brief application and unlock your region’s potential

The deadline for full consideration is September 26. After this date, any remaining training spaces and additional assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply Now

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