Strategic Process
A Clear, Data-Driven Approach to High-Stakes Location and Investment Decisions
We begin by building a relationship.
Location, expansion, and incentive decisions are complex, high-impact, and often time-sensitive. Whether a company is evaluating new locations, expanding an existing operation, or negotiating incentives to remain competitive, Impact Economics provides a structured, defensible process that brings clarity, confidence, and measurable financial insight to each decision.
This is not a one-size-fits-all model. Every engagement is tailored to the company’s goals, constraints, and timeline — but the process is consistent, disciplined, and outcome-focused.
How We Work With Clients
1. Discovery and Strategic Alignment
We begin by understanding the full context of your project - not just the location question.
Key focus areas include:
Business objectives and growth strategy
Expansion vs. relocation vs. reinvestment considerations
Capital investment, timing, and risk tolerance
Incentive sensitivity and negotiation posture
This phase ensures that every analysis is aligned with what actually matters to leadership and decision-makers.
Outcome:
A clearly defined project scope, decision criteria, and strategic framework
2. Data-Driven Location Analysis and Scenario Evaluation
With objectives defined, we apply rigorous analysis to evaluate options and scenarios. Depending on the engagement, this may include:
Location analysis and site selection
Comparative evaluation of regions, communities, and sites using workforce, infrastructure, logistics, cost, and risk metrics.Expansion-in-place analysis
Assessment of whether remaining in the current location - with or without incentives - is the optimal strategic choice.Incentive identification and evaluation
Identification of applicable local, state, and utility incentives and assessment of their true financial value and compliance requirements.Fiscal and operating cost modeling
Long-term cost implications, not just short-term headline numbers.
Outcome:
A short list of viable options supported by defensible, comparable data.
3. Incentive Strategy and Negotiation Support
Incentives are not just financial tools - they are negotiation instruments. We help clients approach incentives strategically, not opportunistically.
This phase may include:
Incentive positioning and negotiation strategy
Coordination with public sector partners
Evaluation of performance requirements and clawback risk
Alignment of incentives with project timing and operational realities
Outcome:
An incentive strategy that improves ROI while minimizing risk and administrative burden.
4. Decision Support and Recommendation
We synthesize findings into clear, executive-level decision support materials.
Deliverables are designed to:
Be easily understood by senior leadership and boards
Clearly comparable options and tradeoffs
Highlight risks, assumptions, and sensitivities
Support confident, defensible decision-making
Outcome:
A recommendation that leadership can act on - with clarity and confidence.
5. Implementation and Ongoing Advisory
For clients who want continued support, we remain engaged through:
Final site selection and announcement planning
Ongoing public-private coordination
Compliance monitoring and reporting support
Strategic advisory as conditions evolve
Outcome:
Smooth execution and reduced risk during implementation.
Not Sure Which Path Makes The Most Sense?
Expansion, relocation, and incentive decisions are rarely straightforward. A short conversation can help clarify options and identify where strategic analysis adds the most value.
Let’s discuss your options - you have more than you may realize.
Finding the Right Site
What is corporate site selection? It is a systematic approach to identifying and evaluating the most suitable location for a particular business venture.
Here’s a breakdown of the methodology we use to help you find the right place to do business.
1. Needs Assessment
The process begins with a thorough understanding of the project's objectives, including location preferences, resource requirements, market access, and long-term growth aspirations. This step establishes the foundation for evaluating potential sites.
While each phase is important, this is perhaps the most critical step - our project will not be successful if we do not have a thorough understanding of your needs.
2. Data-Driven Analysis
Our approach leverages robust data analytics to evaluate potential sites. We consider factors such as:
Economic Metrics: Market demand, labor costs, tax incentives, and growth forecasts.
Infrastructure: Access to transportation, utilities, and technology infrastructure.
Community Fit: Workforce availability, quality of life, and alignment with local economic initiatives.
Benchmark: We will compare each candidate site to where you are currently to see which one will be a good fit.
3. Market and Industry Insights
Leveraging our extensive industry expertise, we identify emerging trends and competitive advantages to pinpoint locations that offer long-term opportunities. Our research ensures your site is positioned for resilience and adaptability in a changing market.
4. Site Visit Coordination
Once we narrow down potential sites, we facilitate detailed site visits. These visits provide firsthand insights into each location’s benefits and challenges, allowing you to make informed decisions.
5. Incentive and Entitlement Negotiations
There is no such thing as a perfect site. Or the perfect community. We will discover an array of communities and sites that will each have their pros and cons. We will also discover that your project can be successful in any of these locations.
Our approach is to use public incentives as a tie-breaker to determine the best location.
We will identify and negotiate incentive packages tailored to your project. This includes tax abatements, grants, workforce training support, and other available programs that reduce costs and enhance profitability.
We will also work closely with the candidate community to make sure that the site is properly entitled and the product can be delivered at your timeline.
6. Comprehensive Risk Assessment
Every site is thoroughly vetted for potential risks, including regulatory hurdles, environmental considerations, and long-term market viability. We prioritize transparency to ensure your chosen location supports sustainable success.
7. Final Recommendations
After an exhaustive analysis, we deliver a clear, actionable recommendation with supporting data. Our recommendations are designed to empower you with the confidence to move forward with your chosen site.
At Impact Economics, we are committed to making the site selection process seamless, data-driven, and results-focused. By working together, you’ll find a location that not only meets your immediate needs but also positions you for future growth.
Let’s Talk Through Your Decision
Talk with an expert who brings more than 20 years of experience in economic development, public finance, and location strategy to help you evaluate risks, opportunities, and next steps.
Confidential. No obligation. Clear next steps.