Appalachian Emerging Investors Fund - Redefine Alliance

Our Vision
- Our VisionAn economy that works. for everyone.
- Who We BackWe partner with social entrepreneurs to amplify the success of their businesses and the people they employ.
- How We Do ItWe help our enterprises grow further, faster through a combination of capital, capacity building, and community support.
- ImpactOur partnership accelerates the growth and impact of the enterprises we back.
Our Work
- Our WorkWe invest in businesses that reveal and reinforce the talent of people breaking through barriers to employment.
- National Field BuildingWe invest in businesses across the country that reveal and reinforce the talents of people breaking through barriers to employment
  - AcceleratorA six-month cohort-based learning experience for leaders of early-stage enterprises to springboard growth.
  - GrantmakingCatalytic investments for employment social enterprises at key inflection points
  - Roberts Impact Investing FundFlexible loan capital for employment social entrepreneurs whose lived expertise is their collateral.
  - Gov. Partnerships & PolicyAdvocacy and public sector partnerships to advance the field.
  - CommunityCurated space and resources to help our social enterprise partners connect, grow, and lead.
  - Farber FellowshipGrad students bring cutting-edge skills and passion to help employment social enterprises reach their full potential.
- Regional EcosystemsWe’re cultivating place-based networks of social enterprises, inclusive employers, public agencies, funders, and social service partners
  - Los AngelesAn established ecosystem, focused on transformative scale
  - IllinoisA fast-expanding ecosystem, focused on policy achievement
  - AppalachiaAn emerging ecosystem, focused on seeding capacity & coordination
Investments
About
- AboutWe envision a thriving and inclusive society where all people have the jobs and the support they need to realize their full potential.
- Mission & CultureIt’s not just what we do, it’s how we do it that matters.
- Our PeopleWe’re a motley crew of leaders and learners dedicated to building an economy that works. For everyone.
- CareersKnowing your work is improving lives is not the only benefit of the job. View opportunities to join our team.
- SupportersOur generous funders and individual donors make this work possible.
- HistorySince 1997, Redefine Alliance has been using business as a force for good.
- FinancialsRedefine Alliance achieves the highest levels of accountability and transparency.
News & Research
- News & ResearchLearn the latest about the incredible work happening throughout our Redefine Alliance community
- InsightsWe evaluate what works and share our learnings to spark action for policy and systems change.
- WorkshopWorkshop is an open, free virtual capacity building toolbox to help you build, grow, and sustain high-impact employment social enterprises.
- PressCheck out features & interviews on ESEs and inclusive employers from news outlets around the country

Roberts Impact Investing Fund Donate

Roberts Impact Investing Fund Donate

Building the next generation of Appalachian investment professionals

Learn about venture capital in Appalachia, and get paid to participate in real deals.

Introducing the Appalachian Emerging Investors Fund (AEIF) — an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students from Marshall University, Ohio University, and West Virginia University to learn from and get experience working directly with investors in the Appalachian region and beyond.

Program Overview

Selected students will participate in a 10-week virtual course taught by industry experts with a wide array of regional and national investors and entrepreneurs joining as guest speakers. Students who complete the course will receive a venture capital micro-credential.

Eligible students can then earn a spot as a part-time Investment Analyst ($20/hour), leading pipeline development, conducting due diligence, and closing real deals as part of the Appalachian Emerging Investors Fund team.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to increase your knowledge about venture capital and gain real-world experience!

Participating Schools

Eligibility

This program is open to any undergraduate and graduate student at West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Ohio University.

There are no prerequisite courses, majors, or year requirements. If you are interested in and committed to learning about venture capital, this course is for you.

Programmatic Commitment

This program consists of a 10-week virtual course taught live by industry experts. Participants are expected to join the live sessions to earn the VC micro-credential. There is no outside homework required unless you are interested in earning a spot as an Investment Analyst.

Application & Selection

When the next cohort is announced, application guidelines will be shared.

Need more info?

AEIF is a program managed by RIIF Capital. Learn more about RIIF Capital, or contact our team at AEIF@robertsimpact.org.

Current AEIF Interns

We are proud to welcome the 2026 cohort of AEIF interns, who are leading pipeline development, conducting due diligence, and closing real deals as part of the Appalachian Emerging Investors Fund team.

Angelo Crino

West Virginia University

Royce Gregory

West Virginia University

Alexandria Spiker

West Virginia University

Alex Kellersmith

Ohio University

William Meyer

Ohio University

James Snider

Ohio University