Entrepreneurs in Fresno are pioneering innovations in water conservation, greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy production and food processing. Despite these important innovations, businesses in Fresno struggle to attract the kinds of capital investments that are more prevalent in Silicon Valley. As a result, there are several projects with high potential to deliver social and economic returns that are waiting for sufficient capital to bring them to fruition. The Mayor of Fresno hired Irene to develop investment partnerships needed to catalyze Fresno’s economic development and accelerate innovation throughout the San Joaquin Valley.