Economic Development That Connects People, Markets & Opportunity
See where opportunity lies, who can reach it, and how to turn potential into investment
At The Navigation Firm, we connect mobility, markets, and communities—helping you spot opportunity, understand who can take part and chart a path to investment. As a Native‑owned team, our approach centers on people and plain language. We translate complex analysis into stories and visuals that everyone can understand—and act on.
Our economic development services bring clarity to ambition, simplify decision-making, and accelerate progress from idea to impact. Below you’ll find what we do, why it matters and how we work, laid out in friendly, easy‑to‑read sections.
What We Help You Do
Spot opportunities in corridors and sites – We uncover demand and fit in places you’re considering, grounded in local data.
Compare options side by side – We lay out costs, benefits and trade‑offs so choices become clear.
Communicate clearly – Maps, briefs and visuals resonate with boards, funders and community members.
Equip your team – We deliver lightweight tools and templates so your team can carry the work forward.
Economic Development Services
Market Scans & Feasibility
Good ideas need evidence. A quick, honest read of demand and fit saves time and focuses resources. We analyse demand and identify gaps across sites, corridors and districts; screen for access, zoning, infrastructure and readiness; develop simple phasing and cost scenarios; and provide clear go/hold/reshape recommendations with next steps.
Workforce & Employer Alignment
Labor access moves projects from “maybe” to “let’s go.” Reliable ways to reach jobs expand hiring pools and improve retention. We map commute patterns and shift coverage across employers and sites; design commuter pilot concepts such as vanpools, shuttles and first/last‑mile connections; facilitate employer coalitions to decide who funds, operates and benefits; and track the metrics HR cares about—time‑to‑fill, late arrivals and turnover.
Investment Narratives & Place Branding
Capital follows a clear story—told with proof points executives can scan in seconds. We craft sector‑specific value propositions for logistics, health, education, manufacturing or tourism; build a distinctive corridor or district identity with messaging that explains “why here and why now”; create persuasive visuals—from access maps and labor sheds to before/after concepts; and prepare board‑ and lender‑ready decks and briefs.
Public–Private Partnerships & Incentives
Deals advance when roles, risks and rewards are explicit—and incentives fit timelines and approvals. We design MOUs and governance frameworks that define roles, cost shares and reporting; lay out pathways for incentives and financing—whether federal programs, state grants, bonds, philanthropy or employer participation; map out approval timelines across jurisdictions; and provide checklists to help councils, boards and agencies move forward.
How We Work
Listen & inventory – We begin by clarifying your goals, constraints and what’s already in motion—sites, partners, plans and timelines.
Frame the opportunity – We translate baseline data into a clear view of what’s possible, including access, labor pools, market demand and readiness.
Compare options – Side‑by‑side scenarios help you see what each path offers and costs, so trade‑offs are obvious and decisions are easier.
Make it decision‑ready – You’ll receive concise, plain‑language briefs, maps and visuals—ready to present to partners, funders and stakeholders.
Set the path – We lay out practical next steps—agreements, incentives, partnerships and outreach—so momentum keeps building.
Keep momentum – Through light check‑ins and a simple reporting rhythm, we help track progress and adjust as needed.
Ready to Link Opportunity to Action?
Schedule a strategy call and discover how we can help you connect people, markets, and opportunities.