The blog
Field writing, by the team doing the work.
Reflections, strategy notes, and practical pieces from SourceLink practitioners.
Economic Development
Main Street – Supporting the Types of Businesses in Your Ecosystem
This multi-part series offers ecosystem builders and economic developers' insights into the characteristics of the four types of businesses in an entrepreneurial ecosystem—and targeted strategies that help those businesses thrive. ...
Economic Development
Microenterprises - Supporting the Types of Businesses in Your Ecosystem
This multi-part series offers ecosystem builders and economic developers insights into the characteristics of each business type and targeted strategies that help those businesses thrive. Small businesses form the crux...
Network news
Reflections on Last Year's Gathering
As we plan our next in-person gathering at the e.Builders Forum, we wanted to reflect on the shared experiences and knowledge gathered from 2023. Lessons from Last Year In April...
Ecosystem Building
An Eclipse-Inspired Approach to Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development
Earlier this week I was fortunate to have the incredible experience of watching the solar eclipse with my family and close friends. This cosmic performance, where the moon momentarily obscures...
Economic Development
Spring Cleaning for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Developers
Spring cleaning isn't just for closets and cobwebs. Entrepreneurial ecosystems are dynamic, and as they evolve, regular reevaluation—or "spring cleaning"—becomes essential to foster innovation, optimize resources, enhance competitiveness, and ensure...
Ecosystem Building
SourceLink Affiliate Quarterly Conversation - March 2024
SourceLink Affiliate Quarterly Conversation Recap General Announcements Rob Williams, SourceLink Director, started our March 7 SourceLink Affiliate Quarterly Conversation with several announcements. The National Urban League 2024 State of...
Economic Development
Understanding Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Measurement Part 4: Strategic Reporting
This four-part series addresses why tracking and measuring the activity of your entrepreneurial ecosystem is crucial to its long-term sustainability and the economic success of your community. Part 1 of...
Ecosystem Building
Understanding Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Measurement Part 3: How to Measure
This four-part series addresses why tracking and measuring the activity of your entrepreneurial ecosystem is crucial to its long-term sustainability and the economic success of your community. Part 1 of...
Research & Impact
Impact Storytelling for Effective Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development
A lot is changing in the world of entrepreneurship-led economic development; from utilizing AI to increase capacity to a multitude of professional development opportunities. However, one topic kept resurfacing as...
Network news
SourceLink Affiliate Quarterly Conversation – December 2023
It’s a wrap, 2023! 2023 proved to be a productive year with an impressive list of accomplishments. SourceLink affiliated websites reached a major milestone with over 1 million pageviews across...
Research & Impact
Understanding Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Measurement Part 2: What to Measure
This four-part series addresses why tracking and measuring the activity of your entrepreneurial ecosystem is crucial to its long-term sustainability and the economic success of your community. Part 1 of...
Economic Development
Hands, Head, and Heart: Professional Development Opportunities for those in Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development and Ecosystem Building
When I started this work almost 20 years ago, very few entrepreneurship-led economic development, much less ecosystem building, resources or institutions existed for early practitioners to be able to tap...