According to a 2001 projection of the economic impact of The Jefferson EDGE, a $2.5 million investment was forecasted to create or retain approximately 1,100 jobs between 2001 and 2005. In reality, The Jefferson EDGE initiative far exceeded these expectations, creating or retaining roughly 26,000 jobs during this period. The impact of The Jefferson EDGE can also be measured in terms of federal, state, and local grants that have been obtained as a result of EDGE funding. Since 2001, $4,184,756 in EDGE investor funds have leveraged an additional $9,285,000 in external grant funding to support marketing efforts and the development of the Churchill Technology and Business Park.
A more recent economic impact analysis, conducted in 2009, has estimated the impact of a $2.5 million EDGE investment over the next five years. According to the model, the economic impact of this investment is estimated to be $135 million over the next five years. Based on an initial $2.5 million investment this return would equal 54 times the initial investment. Using a more generous set of assumptions, The EDGE’s estimated economic impact—and the projected return on investment—would be even greater.
Visionary: $25,000+ Level |
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Innovator: $10,000+ Level |
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Groundbreaker: $5,000+ Level |
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Influencer: $2,500+ Level |
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Collaborator $1,000+ Level |
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Sustaining Level ($500+) |
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