Civic Leadership in Action
Convening, Catalyzing, Collaborating
Bridging Federal Policy and Local Innovation
Wendy Lea’s national work focuses on connecting community needs with federal policy and resources. As an advisor to the Center for American Entrepreneurship, she helps shape how federal programs support regional innovation and entrepreneurship.
This isn't just about advocating for more funding. It's about ensuring federal programs actually work for communities they’re meant to serve. How can EDA Tech Hubs serve rural innovation? What policies create pathways for inclusive entrepreneurship?
This isn't just about advocating for more funding. It's about ensuring federal programs actually work for communities they’re meant to serve. How can EDA Tech Hubs serve rural innovation? What policies create pathways for inclusive entrepreneurship?
Featured Case Study
Advanced Technology
A Community-Driven Blueprint for Federal Grant Success
Winning a major federal grant takes more than expert grant writing. It requires policy insight, market knowledge, and the discipline to run a rigorous, inclusive process. Wendy shares the four-phase approach TechHubNow! used to evaluate six technology teams, identify Colorado's strongest candidates, and ultimately secure a $40.5M federal designation, a replicable playbook for any region ready to compete.
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“Wendy’s extensive experience and passion for economic growth and small business resilience have made her an invaluable asset to both the business community and broader society as she works with innovators to build and sustain economic resilience both locally and globally.”—