This EDA investment funds the freshwater economy seed fund project, to form and launch the freshwater economy seed fund (seed fund) in support of growing a robust freshwater innovation ecosystem in…

The Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) will receive $1.2 million through the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration's BUILD TO SCALE federal grant program (CFDA 11.024) to launch the Freshwater Economy Seed Fund from November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2025.

The Seed Fund will provide capital and technical assistance to bring freshwater technologies to market and drive an inclusive freshwater economic ecosystem in the Lake Erie Basin. As the leading Great Lakes freshwater technology cluster convener, CWA will identify technologies, engage investors, and explore program-related investments from regional foundations to form and launch the Seed Fund. Technologies supported through the Seed Fund aim to transform water quality for Lake Erie Basin residents, especially minority communities disproportionately impacted by environmental and health issues. The funding will harness CWA's role to grow a robust freshwater innovation ecosystem through the Freshwater Economy Seed Fund initiative.

This EDA investment funds the freshwater economy seed fund project, to form and launch the freshwater economy seed fund (seed fund) in support of growing a robust freshwater innovation ecosystem in the lake erie basin. Through this initiative, the cleveland water alliance (CWA) will harness its role as the leading great lakes freshwater technology cluster convener and implementor to identify technologies, engage and educate investors, explore program related investments by regional philanthropic and community foundation partners, and provide capital and technical assistance to bring freshwater technologies to market, and drive an inclusive and vibrant freshwater economic ecosystem. Once implemented, the technology solutions launched through the seed fund will transform the quality of life for residents of the lake erie basin, especially minority residents who disproportionately experience the negative environmental and health repercussions of water quality.