A Great Mills resident and founder of Enhanced Impact LLC has been selected to participate in the 2026 Community Investment Training Cohort, a program offered through the Rural Investment Collaborative by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Rosa Hance is one of only four individuals or organizations from Maryland chosen for the initiative and one of 25 participants total from the bank’s service region, which encompasses South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, most of West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
The selection allows Hance to develop an investment-ready project proposal centered on redeveloping gray space into green space to create sustainable community gathering places in St. Mary’s County. The project aims to provide accessible, environmentally beneficial public areas for local residents.
“I am thrilled to be accepted into the Community Investment Training program,” said Rosa Hance, founder of Enhanced Impact LLC. “During this training, Enhanced Impact LLC will develop an investment-ready project proposal focused on the redevelopment and transformation of gray space into green space to provide sustainable community gathering places in St Mary’s County. I look forward to working with local businesses, organizations, and community partners throughout the cohort and long-term.”
Hance established Enhanced Impact LLC to assist mission-driven organizations in achieving their maximum potential while serving Maryland communities. The firm provides services including advocacy support for state-level government relations, expertise in environmental and energy policy, and facilitation to strengthen community relations.
“As a member of the 2026 Community Investment Training Cohort, I’m confident that this experience will expand our collective skillset and give us the tools, network, and support we need to plan, fund and implement this important work,” says Rosa Hance. “We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from expert facilitators, guest speakers, and fellow cohort members to develop a strong community investment proposal.”
The Rural Investment Collaborative brings together rural leaders and community advocates for shared learning and targeted programming. A core component involves delivering Community Investment Training to help communities create viable project proposals capable of generating positive change in small towns and rural regions. The training equips participants with skills to plan, secure funding, and execute community-focused initiatives.
Participation in the cohort positions St. Mary’s County to advance sustainable development efforts through the proposed green space transformation. The project aligns with broader goals of enhancing public spaces in rural Southern Maryland, where access to quality outdoor gathering areas can support social connections, environmental health, and community vitality.
The competitive selection process underscores the recognition of Hance’s expertise and the potential impact of her proposed initiative. With only 25 spots across the multi-state region, the invitation highlights the value placed on innovative rural projects that address local needs.
The program’s structure emphasizes collaboration, providing participants with access to expert guidance and peer networks essential for turning conceptual ideas into fundable, implementable proposals. This approach supports long-term sustainability for community investments in areas like St. Mary’s County.
Enhanced Impact LLC’s involvement reflects growing efforts in Southern Maryland to address environmental and community development challenges through strategic partnerships and professional training. The focus on converting underutilized gray space into functional green space represents a practical step toward improving quality of life in the region.
Additional details about the Rural Investment Collaborative and its programs are available on the organization’s official site.
