About me
Tyler Vogel is Co-Director of the Initiators Fellowship at the Initiative Foundation, where he helps lead efforts to strengthen main street social entrepreneurship and build a more connected support ecosystem across Greater Minnesota. The Initiators Fellowship supports rural social entrepreneurs who are using business models to address community challenges and create lasting economic opportunity. He works alongside CDFIs, nonprofits, and community leaders to expand access to training, mentorship, capital, and supportive networks that help social ventures thrive. Prior to joining the Initiative Foundation, Tyler served as Impact Program Manager and National Policy Manager at Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF), one of the nation's largest Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). His work focused on advancing policy initiatives and program design related to community finance, small business development, and climate-aligned financial innovation. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of community-led development, social entrepreneurship, and systems change. Tyler’s work as a social entrepreneur has earned him fellowships and recognition through the Resolution Project, Clinton Global Initiative, Yunus & Youth, and the Global Arena Research Institute. Since 2014, he has led a social venture in Peru alongside Indigenous Maijuna leaders, advancing community health, malaria prevention, and biocultural innovation. He holds a Master of Development Practice (MDP) from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and a B.A. in Biology and Social Entrepreneurship from Wartburg College. In his free time, Tyler enjoys hiking, travel, conservation projects, and the resilience that comes from being a Minnesota sports fan.
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