Well, 2021 is certainly off to an eventful start! I’m certainly looking forward to a week some time in the future that won’t end up in history books. While certainly not as dramatic and gut-wrenching as current events, here’s the news from the world of entrepreneurial ecosystem building.
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Coming Soon – Ecosystem Building Insights from the Field Campaign
A few weeks ago I put out a call looking for experienced ecosystem builders to take part in a campaign to collect and publish your insights and experience. A couple dozen ecosystem builders from across the U.S. have signed up and I’ve sent out the first email question to them. I’ll be collecting those replies over the next week and then will aggregate them into an article on EB Hub which I’ll publish later this month. Keep a look out for that.
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
Surge in new business starts
The Guardian reports that “many entrepreneurs are finding that they can start up businesses from their homes that can either provide supplemental income for their families in addition to their day jobs.”
Social Capital and Entrepreneurial Financing Choice
Ecosystem builders know the importance of social capital in the success of entrepreneurs in their ecosystem. A new paper adds some ammunition to our arguments, finding that social capital increases access to outside financing and reduces reliance on owner equity to finance the new venture.
ICSB Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Videos
In 2020 the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) increased their presence in the ecosystem building field, hosting several webinars to explain and discuss entrepreneurial ecosystem building. They recorded these videos and have posted them online. Check them out in the links below.
ESHIP and ICSB: Discussion on Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Understanding Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Call for Proposals for InBIA ICBI35
InBIA is currently seeking industry practitioners to share expertise, strategies, tools and insights on relevant and practical topics. If you are interested in organizing a panel, speaking as a panelist, giving a presentation or facilitating a discussion, please consider submitting a session proposal.
Meet Ecosystem Builder Carina Boston Pinales
Anika Horn profiles entrepreneur and coworking space owner in San Marcos, Texas, Carina Boston Pinales
Meet Rural Ecosystem Building Champion Matt Dunne
Anika Horn interviews Matt Dunne, Executive Director of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI).
Live the Values
Anika Horn has been exploring the Kauffman Foundation’s Seven design principles for building entrepreneurial ecosystems, through a series of fireside chats with ecosystem builders. In this latest installment, they explore principle #4, Live the Values
Right to Start: Field Guide for Policymakers
The Right to Start Field Guide gives local, state, and federal policymakers specific steps to support entrepreneurs and grow economies.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Rethinking Economic Development
Date: Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 2:00pm – 3:00pm EST
Join this interactive workshop to strategize how you can prioritize entrepreneurship as you grow your community.
Impact Solopreneurs
Calling all self-employed ecosystem builders! Anika Horn is hosting a global meetup for solopreneurs with a heart for social change.
Date: Jan 26, 11 a.m. EST
InBIA’s Advance Leadership Summit
Date: January 27, 2021
Get insights on how communities can foster innovation-driven startup activity and what the future might hold for entrepreneurship, investment, and economic recovery. Featuring a fireside chat with author Brad Feld.
Social Venturers Masterclass: Rooted in Purpose
Never get stomped on again. Uncover what drives you and lead with your values.
Date: February 5, 2021, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. EST
