Jonathan Chambers’ Post

🏙️ When entrepreneurs speak out about their frustrations with local regulations, it’s our duty to listen. Victor W. Hwang of Right to Start catalogues his conversations with entrepreneurs all over the country in his latest Inc. Magazine piece, and Cities Work is proud Victor cited our data capturing the barriers to business standing in entrepreneurs’ way. Together, we can make it cheaper, faster, and simpler to start a business in cities across the country! 🚀  

Just published in Inc. Magazine this morning: 🚀 Entrepreneurship is Thriving Across the U.S. 🚗 Right to Start Founder and CEO Victor W. Hwang recently completed an extraordinary coast-to-coast road trip, culminating in a pivotal ceremony on Capitol Hill. In his latest Inc. column, Victor shares his candid, boots-on-the-ground insights into the state of American entrepreneurship, drawn from 15 cities across 13 states. His journey reveals a pressing truth: The American Dream is alive, but achieving it is far more frustrating than it should be. New and young businesses create the vast majority of net new jobs, yet entrepreneurs nationwide are grappling with obstacles that hinder their ability to start and grow—burdensome regulations, limited access to capital, and soaring child care costs. "Part of the frustration is with the government — at all levels — which often seems more of a hindrance than a help. Another part comes from the broader 'system,' which can feel like it’s 'working against you.' ...One entrepreneur shared that she had started a yoga studio, but when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, her customers dwindled. She couldn’t afford the rent, and she had to declare bankruptcy. Now, she won’t be able to get a credit card for seven years." Victor urges action from civic leaders everywhere: "Entrepreneurs will build America’s future. Entrepreneurship is the heart of the American dream. Policymakers should advance it so that small business and job growth can accelerate." He calls for three practical steps that can be taken by any community: 1️⃣ Remove unnecessary roadblocks to make business creation easier for all. 2️⃣ Listen to entrepreneurs, the true job creators and growth drivers. 3️⃣ Support the whole entrepreneur—from child care to capital, entrepreneurs need comprehensive policies that work for them. Read the full insights from Victor Hwang’s landmark cross-country road trip here: https://lnkd.in/eZKWpV8W #LetUsStart #BuildYourDreams #Entrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship

We agree with Right to Start Victor urges action... "Entrepreneurs will build America’s future. Entrepreneurship is the heart of the American dream. Policymakers should advance it so that small business and job growth can accelerate." He calls for three practical steps that can be taken by any community: 1️⃣ Remove unnecessary roadblocks to make business creation easier for all. 2️⃣ Listen to entrepreneurs, the true job creators and growth drivers. 3️⃣ Support the whole entrepreneur—from child care to capital, entrepreneurs need comprehensive policies that work for them. #entrepreneurship #economicdevelopment #inclusiveeconomy #smallbusiness

👉 Making the Case for Entrepreneurship in an Election Season 👈 As we enter the final months of this election season, it's vital to focus on what unites us: the importance of entrepreneurship. Right to Start's recent bipartisan polling reveals that a staggering 94% of Americans agree that it’s important to our future for every citizen to have a fair opportunity to start and grow a business. In her latest op-ed, Right to Start's Chief Operating Officer Kim Lane highlights a critical point for the future of our nation: "Entrepreneurship in America had been in a decades-long decline until the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. Then, as so many Americans lost their jobs, entrepreneurship had a sudden surge. But it was out of necessity, not because the path for entrepreneurs had become easier. The same polling shows that 92% of voters think it is difficult to start and grow a new business. The challenge, therefore, is to get government at all levels to prioritize entrepreneurship and remove the barriers in its way — from arduous permitting to lack of supportive resources to inadequate access to capital, to mention just a few." Entrepreneurship creates nearly all net job growth in America. At Right to Start, we’re advocating for policy changes to remove these barriers. States like Nevada, Missouri, New Mexico, Kansas, and Michigan are leading the way with initiatives to support entrepreneurs, and bipartisan support for entrepreneurship is gaining momentum across the nation. COO Kim Lane emphasizes the urgency of our current moment: "Now is the time to make clear to all candidates for office that entrepreneurship matters. Now is the time to underscore that Americans want the chance to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e8wTDNRj #LetUsStart #BuildYourDreams #Entrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship

Thank you, Kim, for this informative article. I especially like the quote from COO Kim Lane: "Now is the time to make clear to all candidates for office that entrepreneurship matters. Now is the time to underscore that Americans want the chance to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams."

Interesting article about entrepreneurship and candidates for office. It made me think about which one of the presidential candidates would support the entrepreneur, the start ups, the current small business owners, and which one will just tax, regulate, and red tape small business growth.

Riding the wave of global entrepreneurship It won’t come as a surprise that I believe we need more entrepreneurs in the world. They are our builders, our problem solvers, and the future of our global economy. And they’re not going away anytime soon. Our latest research, released today, shows that more and more are starting their own businesses. In the UK for example, 61% of respondents would like to own their own business. This is incredible, and shows people’s commitment to taking control of their own future. 🚀 The beauty of entrepreneurship today is that the barriers to entry are getting lower. Over a third (35%) outside of the U.S. who own their own business said they started it as a side hustle, with 18% ultimately turning it into their full-time job. The journey is not without its challenges, however, and support is key for these heroes of business. Support networks, funding and regulation can all help drive actionable change that enables entrepreneurs to take action, create employment wealth and drive prosperity in their communities and beyond. 💪 #Shopify #entrepreneurship #innovation #heroes

🌟 Transformative Insights from a Business Titan: My Conference Experience with Frank Stronach 🌟 I recently had the unparalleled opportunity to attend a conference with the legendary entrepreneur Frank Stronach at George Brown College, Toronto. This experience was not just enlightening but profoundly transformative, offering a treasure trove of wisdom for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Frank Stronach, a paragon of entrepreneurial success, shared his invaluable experiences and insights, emphasizing the pivotal role of small businesses and entrepreneurs in salvaging Canada and the world at large. He articulated a compelling vision where bureaucracy evolves to bolster small business growth, fostering a nurturing environment for innovation and development. A standout moment was his emphasis on the symbiotic relationship between success and community contribution. "The more successful you are, the more you have to give back to your community," Stronach remarked, encapsulating the ethos of responsible entrepreneurship. Drawing parallels with nature, he highlighted the importance of balance, advocating for a lifestyle that embraces healthy and organic eating. His advocacy for experimentation, having a passion for one's pursuits, and the critical need to understand a business inside and out before launching your venture, were profound reminders of the entrepreneurial journey's essence. Life, according to Stronach, is about taking risks. But more importantly, it's about focusing on people. He urged future leaders to collaborate, not dictate, to share profits with those who contribute to success, and to engage in positive, collective problem-solving for a better society. He challenged the current export-focused economic model, urging a deeper understanding of product creation processes. Moreover, he highlighted education's crucial role, viewing schools as the blueprint for societal development, particularly emphasizing the fresh, open-minded approach of young people. Frank Stronach's call for a "revolution of the mind" resonates deeply, urging us to rethink, reimagine, and reshape our approach to business and life. His message is a clarion call for entrepreneurs and individuals alike to forge a path of balance, innovation, and community-oriented success. Let's carry forward these insights and inspirations, striving for a world where business success and societal well-being are inextricably linked 🌱💼 #entrepreneurship #business #smallbusiness #insights #innovation #communityimpact #frankstronach #georgebrowncollege #toronto #canada

Plight of First-Generation Entrepreneurs. Starting a business is a thrilling journey, but for first-generation entrepreneurs, the path can be uniquely challenging, particularly when you are not from a financially well-to-do family and lack political support or a "godfather" figure. Navigating Uncharted Waters: Many of us lack the blueprint that comes from family businesses. We’re building from scratch, often without the mentorship or guidance that seasoned entrepreneurs enjoy. Access to Resources: Securing funding can feel like an uphill battle. With limited networks and financial backing, we often have to get creative in our pursuit of capital. Building Credibility : Establishing trust in the market is crucial. As first-gens, we often find ourselves needing to prove ourselves repeatedly, overcoming biases and skepticism. Balancing Risk and Opportunity: The fear of failure weighs heavily. We’re not just risking our dreams; we’re often the first in our families to take this leap, making the stakes feel even higher. Resilience and Innovation : Despite these challenges, first-generation entrepreneurs are resilient and innovative. We bring fresh perspectives and diverse ideas to the table, driving change and progress. Cultural Barriers : Navigating cultural expectations and norms can add another layer of complexity. We often find ourselves balancing tradition with the demands of modern entrepreneurship. Building a Network: Networking isn't just about business; it's about finding a community. First-gens often have to actively seek out mentors and allies who understand our unique challenges. Seeking Guidance and Support: It's crucial to acknowledge that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Connecting with other entrepreneurs can provide invaluable insights and encouragement. In a landscape where financial stability and political connections can open doors, many of us are forging our paths against the odds. Let’s support one another in this journey! Share your experiences, offer advice, or simply encourage the next generation of dreamers. Together, we can build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. #Entrepreneurship #FirstGeneration #BusinessJourney #SupportSmallBusiness #MentorshipMatters

Thank you Jane Hamilton and The Sun for letting me share my thoughts and experience on being your own boss as Global Entrepreneurship Week comes to an end. It's great for people to understand that you can build successful businesses and add huge value to the economy without a university education or by fitting any particular stereotype. I didn't go to university, but 20 years of the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur has been more valuable than any formal education. #entrepreneurship #careers #futures #globalentrepreneurshipweek