FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2021

 

Contact: Charles Ross, Interim President and CEO, InBIA

[email protected]

678-431-1300

 

InBIA Releases Playbook to Improve Diversity and Inclusion in Entrepreneurship Centers

Promising practices from over 30 organizations that are leading the way and making a difference.

 

Who will create the jobs of tomorrow? How can we enable the promise of entrepreneurship for all Americans?  How can entrepreneurship centers in communities across the United States become more diverse and inclusive?  These are the questions tackled by the newly released  Playbook For Improving Diversity and Inclusion in Entrepreneurship Centers, commissioned by the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) with support from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

Authors Mike Green, Chief Economic Strategist with the National Institute for Inclusive Competitiveness, and Lindsay Schuenke, Director of Content for InBIA, profile numerous tactics, resources and case studies curated from the practices of over 30 leading organizations to foster greater diversity, inclusion and belonging in entrepreneurship centers and entrepreneurial ecosystems across the U.S.

 

“The facts are compelling; we need more entrepreneurs of color to create

more successful businesses that create more jobs, improve quality of life and contribute greater productivity to the U.S. economy,” shares Charles Ross, Interim President and CEO of InBIA.  “Entrepreneurship centers are uniquely positioned to answer this call and this playbook is an excellent resource to initiate conversations and, most importantly, to catalyze actions.”

 

The playbook provides entrepreneurship center professionals tactics for creating cultures of belonging, to include promising practices in three main areas:

  • Engagement and education – strategies and programs to encourage communities of color to see entrepreneurship as a viable option
  • Programming and culture – creating programs to help entrepreneurs of color succeed and establishing cultures in which all people feel welcome
  • Growth and sustainability – helping entrepreneurs make the connections and access the resources that will allow their businesses to survive and thrive

 

“Everyone can play a role in working toward economic transformation by affecting change in individual spheres of influence,” remarks Schuenke. “For entrepreneurship center professionals, this means taking steps to create diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems. While there is not a one-size-fits-all approach, this playbook highlights many effective strategies and the organizations that are leading the way.”

 

In the spirit of this important playbook, on Friday, April 30, 2021, InBIA will conclude its 35th annual International Conference on Business Incubation and highlight additional tools, frameworks and initiatives to advance equity and inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystems across the U.S.  Registrations for members of the press are available and can be requested at [email protected].

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About InBIA: InBIA is a global nonprofit with over 1,200 members that lead entrepreneurship centers in 32 countries. For over 30 years, InBIA has provided industry best practices through education while enabling collaboration, mentorship, peer-based learning and the sharing of innovative ideas for entrepreneurs across the globe. InBIA is the premier organization for business incubators, accelerators, coworking spaces and other entrepreneurship centers.

 

For more information contact Charles Ross, President and CEO, InBIA at 678-431-1300 or visit us at www.InBIA.org