Empowering the future of gis

At EDGE, we are committed to driving innovation and inclusivity within the GIS and geospatial industry. Through strategic initiatives, we bridge gaps in education, workforce development, and small business resources to ensure a thriving ecosystem that empowers students, professionals, and businesses. Our two flagship initiatives, the Geo Advancement Initiative and the Geo Alliance Initiative, are designed to tackle industry challenges, foster community engagement, and connect diverse stakeholders with cutting-edge opportunities in GIS.

geo advancement initiative

The Geo Advancement Initiative focuses on addressing key challenges within the GIS industry and the broader community. This initiative is dedicated to expanding workforce development opportunities, supporting small GIS businesses, and creating a robust pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive the geospatial sector forward. Through collaboration with industry leaders, we aim to foster innovation, strengthen supplier diversity, and support the growth of underrepresented GIS firms to meet increasing market demands.

Key goals of the Geo Advancement Initiative include:

  • Developing a skilled GIS workforce through education and training.

  • Supporting small businesses with resources and opportunities to thrive.

  • Creating partnerships that address supplier diversity challenges in the GIS sector.

geo alliance inititative

The Geo Alliance Initiative is designed to cultivate a thriving GIS business ecosystem by connecting diverse businesses and professionals to advanced geospatial tools and resources. This initiative emphasizes accessibility, inclusion, and the impactful application of GIS technologies across industries and communities. By building networks and advancing awareness of the geospatial industry, the Geo Alliance Initiative positions EDGE as a vital bridge connecting untapped talent and communities to emerging GIS opportunities.

Key components of the Geo Alliance Initiative include:

  • Engaging small businesses and MWBEs (Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) with GIS solutions.

  • Supporting Esri and other industry leaders in meeting diversity and community engagement goals.

  • Advancing awareness of GIS opportunities in underrepresented communities.