Techstars Startup Weekend Richmond’s Post

Over the past four months, I’ve been pleased to work with Taylor Bishop Scott, Jessica Pugel and Kylie King, Ph.D. of the Entrepreneurship Research to Policy Collaboration. This includes providing responses to elected officials’ requests for input on entrepreneurship policy, and is made possible through funding through Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Thank you DeAngela B. “Supporting Micro and Small Business Entrepreneurship,” co-authored with Dr. King, included recommendations on fostering informal networks, access to small business credit, and the importance of digital tools. “How Entrepreneurs Find Resources,” included the problems entrepreneurs face when evaluating digital and local resources, stage-specific resources they need, the changing context for entrepreneurs support services, and recommendations for policy that supports entrepreneur’s as they work to more efficiently evaluate resource prioritization. This work includes dissemination of these factsheets to members of the executive and legislative branches of government, including members of the U.S. Congress and thousands of state legislators. These factsheets are informed by empirical peer-reviewed research, and our first-hand experience working with emerging and established founders. The community engagement aspects of our work is only made possible through those who have given their time and talent. Together we are breaking down barriers to entrepreneurial opportunities, and spreading the good news: Charles P. Ajemian, Lauren Anesta, Olivia Aronson, David Barrett, Oheneba Berko, Charletta Darville, Charolette Davis, Matthew Dewald, Kourtney Ennis, Emily Griffey Ewees, Alex Hamrick, Elsie Harper-Anderson, Ph.D., Cody J., Simi Jung, Evanthia Karageorge, Mike King, Bonnie Krenz, Kim Mahan, CISSP, Courtney Malveaux, John Marin, Andi (Hammack) Minor, CMP, Barry Moore, Sripath Morishetty, Gopa Nair, Israel Ngombo, Miguel Quiñones, Julieta Rubis, Swati Sachan, Katie Sinclair, Sidarta Tanu, Praveen Vadlamani, Rick Wildes, Ian Young, ...as well as all of our other event facilitators, speakers, mentors, and judges. #entrepreneurship #business #technology

Over the past four months, I’ve been pleased to work with Taylor Bishop Scott, Jessica Pugel and Kylie King, Ph.D. of the Entrepreneurship Research to Policy Collaboration. This includes providing responses to elected officials’ requests for input on entrepreneurship policy, and is made possible through funding through Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Thank you DeAngela B. “Supporting Micro and Small Business Entrepreneurship,” co-authored with Dr. King, included recommendations on fostering informal networks, access to small business credit, and the importance of digital tools. “How Entrepreneurs Find Resources,” included the problems entrepreneurs face when evaluating digital and local resources, stage-specific resources they need, the changing context for entrepreneurs support services, and recommendations for policy that supports entrepreneur’s as they work to more efficiently evaluate resource prioritization. This work includes dissemination of these factsheets to members of the executive and legislative branches of government, including members of the U.S. Congress and thousands of state legislators. These factsheets are informed by empirical peer-reviewed research, and our first-hand experience working with emerging and established founders. The community engagement aspects of our work is only made possible through those who have given their time and talent. Together we are breaking down barriers to entrepreneurial opportunities, and spreading the good news: Charles P. Ajemian, Lauren Anesta, Olivia Aronson, David Barrett, Oheneba Berko, Charletta Darville, Charolette Davis, Matthew Dewald, Kourtney Ennis, Emily Griffey Ewees, Alex Hamrick, Elsie Harper-Anderson, Ph.D., Cody J., Simi Jung, Evanthia Karageorge, Mike King, Bonnie Krenz, Kim Mahan, CISSP, Courtney Malveaux, Andi (Hammack) Minor, CMP, Barry Moore, Sripath Morishetty, Gopa Nair, Israel Ngombo, Miguel Quiñones, Julieta Rubis, Swati Sachan, Katie Sinclair, Sidarta Tanu, Praveen Vadlamani, Rick Wildes, Ian Young, ...as well as all of our other event facilitators, speakers, mentors, and judges. #entrepreneurship #business #technology

Local entrepreneurs, whether driven by necessity or opportunity, and particularly those who are purpose-driven, play a crucial role in building thriving communities in the Inland Empire (IE), Southern California, and communities worldwide. By elevating the old business paradigm that focuses solely on profit and shifting from 'Me Having More' to 'We Being More,' they become a vital force for holistic growth. Facts: In 2023, Mike Stull and the research team from the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE), along with the Orange County/Inland Empire SBDC Network, released the insightful "2022 STATE OF Entrepreneurship REPORT." The report highlighted a concerning decline in opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, providing insights into potential causes and suggesting requisite interventions. Future State: Addressing this challenge is not a quick fix but a long-term process that requires a solid and coherent ecosystem where diverse local private and community forces complement each other, not compete. My Perspective: Leveraging my simple thinking matrix '2x2 Human-Centered Matrix Thinking', and incorporating the framework of Mystery—Heuristic—Algorithm—Coding developed by Roger Martin (https://lnkd.in/de47MuhR), I've formulated the rationale behind what I call the Bright Business System, structured into four segments: 1. Business Operating System: The backbone of any business. 2. BLab: A platform where local entrepreneurs design their business blueprint and learn to build their tailored Business Operating System with guidance from local business experts. 3. Mastermind and Accountability Group: A continuous effort to solve challenges, avoid solitude, stay accountable, and connect with business experts. 4. Business Expert Club: A community of local business professionals united by the mission to better support local businesses. The Community Mastermind & Networking — Corona event is an integral part of our efforts to support local entrepreneurship, welcoming both necessity and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs. Conclusion: This invitation extends to all community members to unite and bolster the entrepreneurial spirit, helping Mike Stull and his team build a robust, innovative local ecosystem in the IE and generate encouraging data for the next 'STATE OF Entrepreneurship REPORT.' #BrightBusinessMissionarism #LocalEntrepreneurship #InlandEmpire #SouthernCalifornia #CommunityGrowth #EntrepreneurshipReport #BusinessInnovation

"Entrepreneurship is neither a science nor an art. It is a practice." – Peter F. Drucker. At BWG Circles, we firmly believe that entrepreneurship thrives through practice, experience, and persistence. It’s about turning ideas into actions, learning from real-world challenges, and constantly improving along the way. Whether you're crafting innovative solutions, seeking business growth, or refining your strategy, entrepreneurship is a journey that rewards dedication and hands-on effort. 🌟 BWG Circles is dedicated to fostering a community where entrepreneurs can collaborate, share insights, and turn vision into reality. Together, we can support each other through the ups and downs, offering expertise, mentorship, and meaningful connections. Ready to take your entrepreneurial practice to the next level? Join us at BWG Circles and be part of a thriving ecosystem where innovation, growth, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. Let’s build, refine, and succeed—together. 💡 #EntrepreneurshipPractice #CollaborationForGrowth #InnovateWithBWG #BusinessSupportNetwork #EntrepreneurCommunity #GrowthThroughCollaboration

🌟 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

Join Me for "Rethinking Entrepreneurship" – Can Your Idea Spark Social Change? I'm excited to invite you to an upcoming online event where I'll be speaking alongside Dr Robert J. Crammond and Milja Franck on a topic close to my heart: "Rethinking Entrepreneurship." 🔍 What's it about? We'll be exploring how entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for good, especially when we shift the focus from profit to purpose. Topics include: Overcoming Systemic Barriers: How can we dismantle the obstacles that hinder disadvantaged entrepreneurs? Entrepreneurial Behaviour: Understanding how socioeconomic factors shape entrepreneurial journeys. Role of Business Schools: How can educational institutions foster socially-driven enterprises? Creating Inclusive Ecosystems: Strategies to build entrepreneurial environments that embrace diversity and inclusion. 🌐 Why attend? If you're passionate about leveraging business to create positive social change, this event is for you. Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, student, or simply curious, your insights and questions are welcome. 🗓️ When? Thursday 28th November 2024 5pm UK 👉 How to join? Register here to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/eQieJNAc Feel free to share this with anyone who might be interested. #SocialChange #Entrepreneurship #InclusiveGrowth #SocialImpact

Osman’s journey into the entrepreneurial realm is nothing short of remarkable. Osman’s mantra for growth is persistence—trying different tactics until one sticks. This resilience, coupled with productivity hacks such as the Eisenhower Matrix, has propelled them forward, turning challenges into milestones. Despite the busy schedule, Osman emphasizes the importance of networking and unwinding, often attending entrepreneurial events in London or just catching up with fellow founders over coffee. To those venturing into entrepreneurship, Osman’s advice is grounded in realism and experience. Recognizing the journey’s length and potential pitfalls is crucial. It’s not a quick path to riches but a commitment to innovation and relentless pursuit of solutions. Read more on the BizStack website! #SolopreneurLife #SolopreneurJourney #Inspiring #BizStack

Calling all aspiring entrepreneurs!🌟   The Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI) is your one-stop shop to cultivate your entrepreneurial spirit and turn your business ideas into reality. ✔️What we do: Think Tank Sessions: Our regular meetings provide a platform for brainstorming, idea sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. Sharpen Your Skills: Develop your entrepreneurial mindset through workshops, discussions, and activities designed to hone your business acumen. Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded individuals, exchange experiences, and gain valuable insights from fellow students and industry experts. ✔️Join AEI and: Validate your business concepts. Develop a growth mindset for entrepreneurial success. Gain the confidence and skills to launch your own venture. Whether you're brimming with ideas or just starting to explore the world of entrepreneurship, AEI is here to empower you on your journey. Ready to take the plunge?🤩 To register, click on this link! https://lnkd.in/dP6DcfeW #AEI #ardenenterpriseincubator

In entrepreneurship, community isn't just important—it's everything. From shared ideas to collective growth, we're all stronger together. 💡💪 Take that first step today and subscribe to our monthly digest to join this dynamic community: https://bit.ly/3sSvEqG #CommunityBuilding #EntrepreneurshipJourney #AfricanImpactInitiative #ImpactEntrepreneurship

When I met Victor W. Hwang back in 2019 at the Kauffman Foundation E'ship Summit in Kansas City, it was clear then that he not only understood the challenges of ecosystem builders across the globe, but the real problems entrepreneurs face every day. He continues to fight for entrepreneurs by listening to their challenges and responding with empathy and real solutions. Here are 3 of his practical steps for how all of us can continue to support America's builders, makers, and dreamers. After all, "entrepreneurship is a community sport." Victor's three practical steps that can be taken by any community to support local entrepreneurs: 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 childcare to capital, entrepreneurs need comprehensive policies that work for them.