In January, 25 community leaders from the Fifth District will begin training as part of the 2026 Community Investment Training cohort. This program is organized through the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Rural Investment Collaborative and aims to help leaders from small towns and rural areas develop investment-ready project proposals.
The participants were chosen by members of the Rural Investment Collaborative’s steering group and project development workgroup. Selection was based on project strength, potential community impact, readiness for the program, and geographic representation from rural regions in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Each participant submitted a development project to focus on during training with support from partners confirming its alignment with broader community strategies.
The Community Investment Training program lasts 16 weeks and provides education to help rural leaders create viable development proposals. The Richmond Fed partners with Invest Appalachia to deliver the core curriculum. The initiative seeks to address challenges related to access to capital in small towns and rural communities by equipping local leaders with necessary skills and knowledge.
Training is provided by leaders of the Collaborative along with guest speakers who cover topics such as community development finance opportunities and financial acumen for project leaders. Participants are also taught how to identify different sources of capital for their projects.
Upon completion, participants receive a mini grant funded by national and regional philanthropic partners to further develop their proposals while seeking technical assistance and investments.
Ansel Ponder, brand strategist and co-founder of Blue Appalachia Holdings, commented: “The most significant thing I learned from the Community Investment Training is how to successfully take your project from ideation to creation. The Community Investment Training is a wonderful opportunity to assert yourself as a leader in your local community and to learn from other leaders who are making an impact.”
Jason Smith, senior community development advisor at the Richmond Fed, stated: “Expanding economic opportunity through access to capital and credit is central to the work of the Community Development team at the Richmond Fed. When I visit graduates from the 2024 and 2025 CIT cohorts, I am honored to see the progress they are making on their community development projects. It’s exciting to hear they have completed their capital stacks, are breaking ground or are completing initial phases of projects that will help their communities thrive.”
In October, six organizations led by previous graduates received a total of $114,900 in technical assistance grants for design development as well as architectural, engineering, and site feasibility studies for their projects.
Projects proposed by this year’s cohort include workforce training initiatives, business incubation programs, new or improved community centers, tourism infrastructure upgrades, and Main Street revitalization efforts across participating states.
The Richmond Fed does not fund or award grants nor participate in selecting grantees or communities receiving training or technical assistance.
