The Appalachian Investment Ecosystem Initiative (AIEI) aims to strengthen the community investment ecosystem in central Appalachia—to improve the region’s capacity and health by better positioning it to attract and absorb investments, and advance socio-economic opportunity for its residents.

By building on existing networks, investing in growing the capacity of regional partners, and mobilizing resources to support learning by doing across the region, AIEI is creating a shared understanding of ecosystem-building efforts in Appalachia.

Serving as a learning and evaluation partner, Equal Measure is documenting the implementation of the AIEI initiative, coordinated by LOCUS Impact Investing. This includes noting accelerating or impeding factors, capacities, and contextual realities, and taking stock of intentional and unintentional outcomes. Equal Measure will also further AIEI’s investment ecosystem building efforts by developing and disseminating tools, publications, cases, and other capacity- and awareness-building products throughout the region as well as with the field.