The Blog
Entrepreneurship.
Field writing from SourceLink practitioners on Entrepreneurship.
Economic Development
Trailblazing Together: The Future of Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development
The world of economic development is constantly evolving and everchanging. Entrepreneurship-led economic development has become more of a focus in communities across the country as more and more recognize how crucial local small businesses are to growth and job creation. Entrepreneurship is more important than ever and organizations that support small business owners will likely...
Dec 20, 2024
Economic Development
Innovation-Led - Supporting the Types of Businesses in Your Ecosystem
This multi-part series offers ecosystem builders and economic developers insights into the four types of businesses in an entrepreneurial ecosystem—and targeted strategies that help them thrive. Small businesses form the crux of the American economy. Recent data from the U.S. Small Business Administration shows the U.S. is home to 33.3 million companies that qualify as...
Nov 12, 2024
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. Small businesses form the crux of the American economy. Recent data from the U.S. Small Business Administration shows the United States is home to 33.3...
Jul 30, 2024
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 of the American economy. Recent data from the U.S. Small Business Administration shows the U.S. is home to 33.3 million companies that qualify as small...
Jun 05, 2024
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 sustained growth. Regular reevaluation is not merely about decluttering; it allows ecosystems to stay in sync with the changing business landscape and ensure their infrastructure...
Mar 29, 2024
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 Black America report is out and has a clear call which resonates: “Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity and Defeat Poverty.” Building on this topic, we believe...
Mar 27, 2024
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 into. Today, the environment is so much more robust, and frankly, exciting! From international associations picking up the mantle of entrepreneurship-led economic development to grassroots...
Nov 13, 2023
Economic Development
SourceLink Affiliate Quarterly Conversation – September 2023
SourceLink Continues to Grow, Adding New Staff and Affiliates Welcome to our new SourceLink staff member, Solomon Lee. Solomon will serve as a project manager and brings considerable expertise to our team. Prior to joining SourceLink, Solomon was with Louisiana Economic Development, where he helped implement the Louisiana Business Hub platform statewide and across multiple...
Oct 24, 2023
Entrepreneurship
Unveiling the Mysteries of AI: Part 1 – Transforming Entrepreneurs
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 world where tools like...
Jun 28, 2023
Economic Development
Celebrating Small Business Week: How to Champion Entrepreneurs Today and All Yearlong
In honor of National Small Business Week, we’re celebrating the unique and enterprising spirit of entrepreneurs who contribute to our communities. Created by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) over 50 years ago, the event is co-hosted by SCORE and shines a spotlight on the innovation and hard work that goes into building a successful...
Apr 23, 2023
Ecosystem Building
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Connections, Resources & Support
Did you know that 42% of U.S. companies are owned by women? With nearly 13 million women-led businesses, they are making their mark on the entrepreneurial scene, claiming ownership of four out of every ten enterprises. Despite being the driving force behind numerous small businesses, there is still a need for support systems that foster...
Apr 14, 2023
Entrepreneurship
Let’s Talk: Why Broadband is Critical Infrastructure for Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development
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 business. It’s compelling evidence to...
Feb 17, 2023