In this episode of Capital Rivers Connect: California Edition, Capital Rivers CEO Greg Aguirre welcomes Alyce Brown, founder of Backing Small Consulting, for a powerful conversation about local economic development. With nearly two decades of experience in hospitality, tourism, and economic strategy, Alyce brings a people-centered approach to revitalizing communities—grounded in trust, accessibility, and long-term thinking.
From leading tourism efforts in Central America to helping launch the largest offshore wind farm in the U.S., Alyce has worked across diverse regions and sectors. She’s known for connecting bold economic vision with real-world action.
From Hospitality to Community Development
Alyce’s background in hospitality shapes how she approaches economic development. She sees it not as bureaucracy, but as a form of service. Her philosophy: treat residents like customers and lead with communication.
“People want to be heard. They don’t want to be talked to; they want to be talked with.”
That mindset has helped her build trust in rural communities, overcome red tape, and move projects forward that might have otherwise stalled.
The 3 Ps: People, Places, Projects
At the heart of Alyce’s framework for local economic development are the “3 Ps”:
- People: Engaged and empowered residents form the foundation of a healthy economy.
- Places: Vibrant communities retain talent and investment.
- Projects: Strong developments follow naturally when people and places thrive.
“If your people are happy, they’ll support the places they live. If the places are thriving, your projects will be successful.”
Micro-Credentialing and Skill Banks
To address workforce gaps, Alyce helps communities implement micro-credentialing programs and build skill banks. These short, focused trainings connect residents with real, local job opportunities.
“We have people on unemployment. We have people with incredible skills who’ve been laid off. How do we get them back to work in ways that benefit our communities?”
Her approach turns workforce challenges into opportunities for community growth.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
Rather than chasing national retailers, Alyce encourages cities to support the small business owners already living in their communities.
“Stop asking how to attract national brands, and start asking who in your town is ready to open a shop. How do you make it easy for them?”
She partners with cities to streamline permitting, cut unnecessary steps, and create a clear path for local entrepreneurs to thrive.
A New Lens on Economic Consulting
Whether she’s guiding downtown revitalization, workforce planning, or community engagement, Alyce helps local leaders challenge outdated systems and build strategies that reflect their unique potential.
“You don’t need someone who knows your town inside out. You need someone who can see it with fresh eyes—and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.”
Listen to the full episode of Capital Rivers Connect to hear how Alyce Brown is helping communities across the country rethink and revitalize local economic development—from the ground up.
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