Core Strategy Partners

Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day has been observed for more than a century as a time to recognize the dedication and achievements of workers across the country. The holiday originated in the late 19th century from the labor movement's push for better working conditions and a federal holiday to celebrate workers, following the Industrial Revolution.

The first American Labor Day celebration was held in New York City on September 5, 1882, organized by the Central Labor Union, and it officially became a federal holiday in 1894 under President Grover Cleveland.

Today, we continue to celebrate the creativity, resilience, and impact of the workforce that drives progress in every industry.

We hear the phrase all the time: “inclusive economic development.”
But what does it really mean in practice?

The term gets used in so many contexts that it can feel abstract. That’s why we’d love to hear from you:

💬 What does inclusive economic development mean to you?
How do you define it in your work, your community, or your industry?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’ll be listening closely and sharing back what we learn.

Impact investing has the potential to drive social change, but traditional approaches often overlook the specific needs of underrepresented entrepreneurs.

To make a real difference, investors can:
- Provide mentorship that addresses unique cultural and systemic challenges
- Use flexible funding models suited to different growth stages and backgrounds
- Build authentic, long-term relationships to better understand founders’ journeys

These inclusive strategies not only promote fairness but also contribute to stronger business outcomes and more resilient communities.

Shifting investment practices toward inclusion is key to unlocking broader economic growth.

What does the acquisition journey look like for underrepresented entrepreneurs?

In-depth research shows that many founders experience structural bias, lack of access to networks, and inconsistent support during exits.

Listening to their experiences is helping reshape the way capital is distributed and how impact is measured.

Most early-stage founders of color face barriers that have nothing to do with the quality of their ideas.

The systems meant to support them often reinforce exclusion — through biased selection processes, narrow definitions of readiness, and limited networks.

Shifting these systems begins with redesigning for equity, not just access.

What would it look like if we treated child care as essential infrastructure?

Too often, families face a system that is unaffordable, unavailable, and unsustainable. In fact, over half of U.S. families live in areas with too few child care options. In some states, infant care costs more than a year of public college.

If we want thriving communities, we need to invest in the people and systems that make them possible.