The Blog
Ecosystem Building.
Field writing from SourceLink practitioners on Ecosystem Building.
Ecosystem Building
How to engage resource partners: continuing the conversation
During our March Quarterly Conversation, affiliates discussed the challenges moving from individual entrepreneur support organizations to a collaborative, community-based model. The affiliates that joined the conversation in March wanted to learn more about engaging with the resource partners in their network, so SourceLink® set aside time in April to continue the conversation and address unanswered...
May 05, 2021
Ecosystem Building
How mayors can lead the way for entrepreneurial ecosystem building
Supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses is key to economic mobility, opportunity and growth. But it's one thing for city leaders to "talk the talk" and quite another to implement a strategy that will spark and sustain entrepreneurship. A report called “Dynamism in Retreat” (Economic Innovation Group, February 2017) stated, “From 2010 to 2014, just five...
Mar 04, 2021
Ecosystem Building
5 Ways to Support Local Retailers During the Holiday Season
The pandemic has created challenges for many retail entrepreneurs, giving new meaning to "shop local". With lockdowns and capacity restrictions, small businesses are in need of support. Here's a few ways to shop local this holiday season.
Dec 22, 2020
Ecosystem Building
Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Building Knowledge for 2021
As you prepare your plans for supporting entrepreneurs this coming year, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to add some of these great reads to your 2021 reading list.
Dec 21, 2020
Ecosystem Building
Beyond Resource Directories: What it Takes to Build a Flourishing Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
When it comes to building an entrepreneurial ecosystem, a collaborative and supportive network is worth more than a listing of organizations in a directory – a lot more.
Dec 02, 2020
Ecosystem Building
Four Tips for Recovering from Disaster with Resiliency
SourceLink affiliates share lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic that service providers can use to help communities bounce back after disaster strikes.
Nov 06, 2020
Ecosystem Building
Who Makes Up an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Defining the Role of Ecosystem Builder
Breaking down who the stakeholders are in a community's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Oct 29, 2020
Ecosystem Building
Mayor Warren leads the way for entrepreneurial ecosystem building: Entrepreneurial ecosystem development in Rochester, NY
Several cities across the U.S. are seeing success with entrepreneurial ecosystem development efforts thanks to trailblazing mayors like Mayor Lovely A. Warren of Rochester, NY. Supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses is key to economic mobility, opportunity and growth. But it's one thing for city leaders to "talk the talk" and quite another to implement a...
Sep 30, 2020
Ecosystem Building
How Using Creative Outreach Tools and Methods are Fueling Entrepreneurial Recovery in Chicago
‘Meet Them Where They Are’ ChiBizHub is fueling entrepreneurial recovery in Chicago using creative outreach tools and methods. In Chicago, the business community has been contending with the health and economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. Kendra Thomas and Jazmin Garcia are both business resource managers at ChiBizHub, a SourceLink community of entrepreneurial service organizations...
Sep 29, 2020
Ecosystem Building
What Is an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Really?
Breaking down the emerging term, what it is and who it comprises.
Sep 03, 2020
Ecosystem Building
Cities Should Think Creatively about Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Building
How do other cities build entrepreneurship? Alejandro Manzanares of the National League of Cities (NLC) shares insights from cities in its third cohort on establishing entrepreneurial seed funds, building innovative workforces and ecosystem mapping.
Aug 26, 2020
Ecosystem Building
How to Support the Supporters
Entrepreneurial service providers are on the front lines every day working to help their small business clients survive—and sometimes without the tools they need to cope with the emotional strain.
May 26, 2020