Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing entrepreneurship and economic development. We're going to show how AI-powered tools are empowering go-getters and community-builders to create thriving networks and drive economic impact like never before in this two-part blog series. No one can ignore the game-changing power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the business...
Throughout the course of American history, the meaning and purpose of the phrase ‘economic development’ has changed and evolved. The California Association for Local Economic Development describes our current use of economic development clearly and succinctly: “Economic Development is the creation of wealth from which community benefits are realized. […]...
Access to affordable high-speed broadband is increasingly a top priority for economic and community development leaders. According to national research from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center, a whopping 93% of today’s small business owners use at least one type of technology platform to help them with their...
One of my favorite end of the year activities is to fire up YouTube and watch the previous year in search video. This last one so beautifully mirrored what I have personally felt and heard from our affiliates that I just had to share. Drum roll, please… the most searched term...
Relationship building is fundamental to SourceLink’s ecosystem building methodology, and we make it a priority not only in our work with affiliates, but also with our own industry peers. Attending conferences and events allows us to spark new connections, learn from those who are doing similar excellent work, and gives...
By definition, microenterprises are businesses that require less than $35,000 in capitalization to start and have fewer than ten employees. Most are focused on the owner’s personal expertise—consulting, design, lawn care—and may not require a physical location. Microenterprises—both online and brick and mortar— represent about 77% of overall businesses in...
You don’t always appreciate what you have until it’s gone. After collectively witnessing many of our main street and small businesses across the country close in 2020, there arose a new sense of appreciation for the value entrepreneurs bring to our communities and our economy. In 2021, we saw new...
For the better part of the last decade, our field has greatly evolved. The concept of building networks of support, or what has sometimes been referred to as, forging “entrepreneurial ecosystems”, has been a key focus for many advancing the idea that innovation and entrepreneurship will be the future of...
I grew up in a small town in north Iowa—Cedar Falls, to be exact. During my tenure with the local University I worked with economic developers all across Iowa, from Sioux City to Davenport and a great many small but mighty communities in-between: Grinnell, Parkersburg, Webster City and Lamoni to...
Congratulations to all the grantees awarded funds to participate in the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program. You are embarking on work that is critical to building back inclusive and more resilient communities. We are excited to see so many in our SourceLink℠ network become hubs and/or spokes, and eager for...
