BALLE Local Economy Fellowship
We need to fundamentally rethink our economic system to create real prosperity. We believe that an economic and cultural transformation of this magnitude will require supporting the emerging innovators. That is why our partnership with BALLE to identify, connect, nourish and illuminate today’s top local economy leaders is a key part of our strategy.
— Jennifer Buffett, NoVo Foundation
The BALLE Local Economy Fellowship is unique. We are the only fellowship dedicated solely to advancing the local economy movement. Our Fellows are at the forefront of rebuilding communities from the ground up through creative economic development strategies that enhance the staying power of locally owned businesses, by applying their passion for social change to business-oriented solutions, and through sustainable innovations in manufacturing, finance and food.
BALLE Fellows participate in an intense, close-knit and rigorous 18-month leadership immersion program that strengthens their capacity for transformative change in their communities.
Our first cohort were leaders in their own right, but together they were able to harness the collective strength of their combined talents, ideas and multiply their impact. We can’t wait to see what our new cohort will accomplish and how they will transform their own communities, and ours.
Rebuilding local economies requires working on multiple fronts: expanding local ownership, spreading effective ideas and models, connecting entrepreneurs to values-aligned financing, and networking with each other to leverage their collective strength. The BALLE Fellowship recognizes and strengthens leaders who are innovating in these areas.
ARE YOU OUR NEXT BALLE FELLOW?
BALLE Local Economy Fellowship Program Team
BALLE's central partner in Fellowship content development and program oversight is the Ventana Group, world renowned leaders in transformative leadership development and systems change.
Other key program partners:
- The Berkana Institute - Systems Change Theory
- The Monitor Institute- Strategy and Organizational Development
- The Improve Group - Monitoring and Evaluation
- RSF Social Finance - Community Capital
BALLE Local Economy Fellowship Selection and Advisory Committee
BALLE is very grateful for our partner organizations who help us find and select BALLE Fellows:
