Equity Now, Inc’s Post

Being an entrepreneur is difficult; for some it is made so much harder (or impossible) given norms, biases, and prejudices. It might be easy to assume that the all-too-common obstacles and barriers to opportunities do not apply in innovation contexts like entrepreneurial ecosystems, where cutting-edge thinking is the focus, but they do. In the short report below, I’m sharing some stories and insights from different stakeholders in a UK entrepreneurial ecosystem and highlighting it here in case it can help others (👇). I prepared the report ahead of the Grassroots Growth Summit taking place at Warwick University next week, where national and local stakeholders will gather. During the day we will be discussing how we can drive growth that gives equitable access to opportunities. It's a big, challenging topic. To inform the conversation, in the report I briefly outline five questions that help think about the dynamics effecting equitable access to opportunities: 🗯️ Will growth come from supporting the many or the few? 🗯️ Pathway or pathways for pursuing growth? 🗯️ Growth fostering healthy relationships between founders and finance? 🗯️ Growth with equitable inclusion for neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs? 🗯️ Growth with equitable inclusion for ethnic minorities and female entrepreneurs?   I thought the stories and insights might be helpful to others in stimulating discussions around the improvement of equitable access to growth opportunities and in deciding the next processes and practices to drive it forward. While it's based on research I'm doing with Davide Nicolini in a UK entrepreneurial ecosystem, it might also be useful for those in the corporate world. The conversation next week will span both.   For my part, I'm looking forward to taking part in the panel session on Monday with Dean Cook, MBA, FRSB Edwina Dunn OBE Julian Dennard Jenny Edwards and chaired by Sarah Walker (CISM). They have a wealth of insight and experience. I'm also looking forward to learning from Yewande Akinola MBE FIET HonFREng David Plumb Emma Jones Toyosi Olowe and many others...    Also to say, I'm grateful to all those who have given me their time so far in this research project. The West Midlands entrepreneurial ecosystem is full of generous people doing amazing work.   University of Warwick - Warwick Business School Warwick Innovation District University of Warwick https://lnkd.in/gZ4MmV8B 

New Blog Post! 📥 "In a rapidly evolving world, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among young minds is crucial for cultivating innovative problem solvers who can adapt and thrive in a dynamic landscape." 💰 Read more at the MyDiary blog! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gWyhVJtK 🤝 #StudentEntrepreneurship #FutureEntrepreneurs #MyLearningJournal

🌟 Empowering the Next Generation of Visionaries with CMB's Mini Millionaires Program! 🌟 At CMB: INVESTMENTS & CONSULTING INC., we believe in the power of dreams and the limitless potential of our youth. That's why we're thrilled to introduce our Mini Millionaires Program – a dynamic initiative designed to inspire and equip young minds to dream big and achieve even bigger! Through this program, we aim to: 💡 Spark Creativity: Encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. 📚 Provide Education: Offering essential financial literacy and entrepreneurial training. 👥 Build Networks: Connecting young dreamers with mentors and industry leaders. 🏆 Foster Confidence: Empowering youth to believe in their potential and pursue their passions fearlessly. Join us in nurturing the future leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Together, we can create a world where every young person has the tools and support they need to turn their dreams into reality. Let's inspire our youth to reach for the stars and beyond. 🚀 #CMBInvestments #MiniMillionaires #DreamBig #YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeaders #FinancialLiteracy #Entrepreneurship

Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Journey 🌈 Calling all young innovators! 🚀 The Future Founders’ Lab is your launchpad for success. 🌟 What can you expect? Develop essential business skills Learn the art of resilience Create a network that lasts a lifetime 💡 Ready to make your mark? Email us at info@lawyer-ed.org and let’s build a brighter tomorrow! 💪🌟 #YoungInnovators #BusinessEducation #LeadershipSkills #FutureFoundersLab

ICIC and Small Business Majority have developed a groundbreaking tool that sheds light on the structural barriers faced by entrepreneurs of color, including Black, Latinx, and Asian business owners. These inequities create significant challenges that hinder their ability to build and grow successful businesses. The interactive map, the first of its kind, brings together public and private data from the 100 largest metropolitan areas to help users better understand the business ecosystems in their communities and the disparities within them. Join us on October 15, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET for a live demonstration of this innovative tool, followed by a panel discussion with leading experts. Our panel includes: 🌟 Tasha M. Brown, D Min. – Midwest Outreach Director at Small Business Majority, with vast experience helping entrepreneurs thrive, particularly Black-owned businesses. A leader in the fight for financial security for small business owners, she brings years of expertise in economic development and entrepreneurship. 🌟 David Payton – Executive Director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, a business growth strategist and expert in turning challenges into opportunities. David has helped countless businesses navigate complex environments. 🌟 Elizabeth (Betsey) Suchanic– Inclusive Economic Development Advisor at NGIN, with a strong background in small business development, microlending, and her own experience as a business owner. Betsey’s work in building economic opportunity and advancing digital equity makes her a key voice in this discussion. You don't want to miss their insights as they unpack this powerful tool for policymakers, economic developers, and community organizers! Register now and be part of the conversation that can help reshape the future of small business success! https://lnkd.in/gdAwcfAY #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #EconomicEquity #StructuralBarriers #RegisterNow #ICICOrg #ICIC #ICICResearch

🔑 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡. This Wednesday, we had the privilege of learning from Mary McKenna, MBE, a Northern Irish tech entrepreneur and angel investor. 💡 For Catalyco, this session was a treasure trove of insights. We gained fresh perspectives to improve our business development. Mary’s wealth of knowledge and inspiration left us motivated and equipped to tackle the challenges of growth with confidence. Let’s put these strategies into action and achieve remarkable success!🌟 #WomenTechEU #WomenInTech #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #deeptech

Empower Your Entrepreneurial Journey with Selwyn Cambridge! 🌍 Join us on July 20th for insights on pitching to investors, market research, and more. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best! 🎓💡 #StartupTips #BusinessStrategies #konseyeconnect #Konseyenetwork

🚀 Today is World Entrepreneurs' Day 🚀 We're celebrating the extraordinary contributions of entrepreneurs who are not only creating jobs and driving innovation but are also empowering socially disadvantaged children with new opportunities. Their commitment to sustainable practices is forging a brighter future for us all! 📍 Filmed at the EY UK Entrepreneurs’ Retreat🎨 #ArtOfEntrepreneurship #EOYUK #BetterWorkingWorld #WorldEntrepreneurDay

Independence Day: Fueling the Entrepreneurial Spirit Independence Day is a powerful reminder of the value of freedom—freedom that fuels the entrepreneurial spirit and empowers us to break boundaries and innovate without limits. Just as our forefathers laid the foundation for a free nation, entrepreneurs and investors today are laying the groundwork for a future driven by vision, resilience, and determination. For entrepreneurs, independence means the courage to take risks, to challenge the status quo, and to carve out new paths where none existed before. For investors, it’s about the freedom to believe in potential, to support groundbreaking ideas, and to drive impact that transcends borders. This Independence Day, let's celebrate not just our freedom as a nation but also the freedom to dream big, to build, and to create lasting change. Together, let’s honor the spirit of independence that continues to inspire innovation, growth, and opportunity for all. Happy Independence Day! 🇮🇳 #FreedomToInnovate #EntrepreneurialSpirit #VisionaryLeadership #EmpowerChange #IndependenceInAction #CreatingLegacy

The idea may start as a spark: What if? Then, it gets shared: Imagine if. More kindling gets added in. As the idea takes shape, the spark gets emboldened. Crackle, crackle, poof. More join in the belief. Fuel, energy and hard work are being expended. Ideas are coming together to enhance the original thought. The vision is becoming a reality. The leader is directing the community of believers. And before you know it, that small spark is an innovation ready to take off! 💡 Here’s to the innovators. The visionaries, the dreamers, the creators, the imaginators, the leaders – and the believers who lend their support and hard work to bring these ideas to fruition. Also, to the coaches and mentors, who encourage and guide for excellence. Best of luck to the Mason teams. May the best pitch win! I just can’t wait to see how your ideas change the world. #Innovation #MasonNation #PatriotPitch #CostelloMeansBusiness #Centerforinnovationandentrepreneurship #BusinessandService