Best Practices

COVID-19 Funding Relief and Financial Tools for Small Businesses

Sarah Mote Apr 30, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small Main Street businesses especially hard. Mindful that small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, numerous government agencies, philanthropies and private companies have set up relief funds to provide these small businesses with grants and low-interest loans.

America’s Public Libraries: Champions of Entrepreneurship

Pola Firestone Sep 20, 2018

Libraries are the not-so-quiet champions of entrepreneurship, essential entrepreneur ecosystem builders, crucial for every community in their mission to support their entrepreneurs.

Celebrating Entrepreneurs with National Small Business Week

How to Celebrate Entrepreneurs with National Small Business Week

Pola Firestone Apr 30, 2018

National Small Business Week is the perfect time to connect with your community's small business owners and startups and shine a light on the resources available to start and grow a business.

Highlights from #GrowingESHIP: Growing Entrepreneurial Communities Summit

Sarah Mote Apr 26, 2018

The Growing Entrepreneurial Communities Summit was packed with smart people and smart ideas. Here are just a few takeaways that may surprise you.

NetWork Kansas Uses Its Resource Network to Take on Bigger, Bolder Goals for Entrepreneurs across Kansas

Sarah Mote May 16, 2017

NetWork Kansas is building a culture of entrepreneurship in the state of Kansas—and right in the middle of America.

The Making of America’s Most Entrepreneurial City

Maria Meyers May 10, 2017

In 2011, Kansas City set an audacious goal: to become America’s most entrepreneurial city. The community set a path to build entrepreneurship, measure it and tell that story to the world.

White House Releases FY2018 Budget Proposal - What It Means for Economic Development

Sarah Mote Mar 20, 2017

Jeff Finkle of International Economic Development Council outlines proposed budget cuts and their impact on entrepreneurial communities.

Yes to Steve Case: Entrepreneurial Development Has to Start Locally

Maria Meyers Mar 14, 2017

"Some of the most consequential programs and legislation to spur entrepreneurship — and the jobs that come with it — continue to happen at a more local level.” - Steve Case

A Year of Entrepreneurship: Calendar of Events to Celebrate Entrepreneurs and Economic Development

Sarah Mote Jan 11, 2017

Here's a short-ish list of events, campaigns and conferences around entrepreneurship and economic development.

Round Up: The Trump Administration and What It Means for Small Business

Rob Williams Dec 21, 2016

The Electoral College has met and confirmed that Donald Trump will be our next president. What effect could a Trump Administration have on entrepreneurship?

Round Up: What Is an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem?

Sarah Mote Dec 12, 2016

A round up around articles about what an entrepreneurship ecosystem is and the first steps to buidling one. Spoilers: understand your community and what it needs.