Capital
Small businesses in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle, WA | Photo by Carol M. Highsmith
Entrepreneurial Capital
Small businesses foster innovation, economic dynamism, and community prosperity. But for many small businesses and entrepreneurs – especially those in low-wealth communities – capital to start and grow a business is out of reach. The Nowak Lab provides research, tools, and analysis to help expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our work helps policymakers and small business support organizations organize capital, leverage programs, and deploy innovative financial products to reduce barriers to capital. Past and current projects include:
Infrastructure
Recent years have seen an unprecedented influx of federal investment in infrastructure maintenance and development – with investments reaching all states and impacting distinct infrastructure sectors. Since 2022, the Lab has been tracking and disseminating funding opportunities as they open through the Infrastructure (+IRA) Funding Tracker. More recently, the Lab, with Accelerator for America and the Local Infrastructure Hub launched the Funding Pathfinder – an innovative tool to support local leaders in matching their projects to distinct programmatic funding streams.
In addition, the Lab, in collaboration with Accelerator for America, is identifying and disseminating best practices in infrastructure projects and finance through a series of Transformative Projects case stories with the Local Infrastructure Hub. Currently, the Nowak Lab is also producing a series of resources to support local communities looking to design, finance, and execute infrastructure projects.
Recent Publications
The Trump Administration’s policy shifts have created financial uncertainty for cities and states. NYC’s Comptroller analyzed the city’s reliance on federal funds, highlighting risks to entitlement programs, public services, and infrastructure. This model can help other municipalities assess their fiscal exposure. With federal cuts now a reality, local governments must prepare for the impact.
In light of recent federal disruptions, cities and metropolitan areas must unite and take charge to protect their economies and residents. Local leaders need to organize quickly, collaborate across sectors, and adapt to the challenges ahead. This new localism requires agility and coordination to defend against federal changes, leverage opportunities, and ensure long-term prosperity. The time to act is now.
The resurgence of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing is driven by complex financial structures combining federal incentives from the CHIPS Act, state and local contributions, and private capital, supporting not only fabrication facilities but also infrastructure, workforce development, and research initiatives, exemplifying a collaborative model for revitalizing the industrial sector.
View all of our Capital publications