Expert insights. Personalized for you.
By David Kraus. MORE
These days, CO.STARTERS is bubbling with new projects. We’re in the midst of a long-term shift from primarily supporting starters through programs to a broader mission of cultivating entrepreneurial ecosystems by connecting and empowering community builders with a wider spectrum of support. MORE
By David Kraus. It all started in October, 2013 when Chorus , a New Zealand telecommunications company, launched a competition. MORE
It all started with a kumquat festival. Sammy Ortiz, who had lived in Wesley Chapel, Florida for 11 years, was en route to the community bonanza with his family when he missed a turn due to traffic. Lost in an area of town he’d never been to, he gaped at what befell his eyes. “It MORE
Each year during the holiday season we look forward to putting our money where our mission is: helping communities thrive through entrepreneurship. MORE
By Elise Kemp. As a part of the YLAI Network’s mission, community involvement in fostering development is critical. Hearing about the impact that our networkmembers are making in their own communities is a real privilege and helps us see how impactful it can be to volunteer locally. MORE
Monique Maissan is an Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member in Shanghai, CEO of Vision Textiles, and founder of Waste2Weave. Monique has been a pioneer in sustainability in the notoriously environmentally unfriendly textile and fashion industry for more than 20 years. MORE
By Rich Bailey. This article is the second in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building. Conversations about inclusion in ecosystem building can be difficult because they bring up issues that may become contentious and polarizing. MORE
By Rich Bailey. This article is the first in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building. MORE
Partnering with startups is a great way to accelerate the entire corporate innovation journey. In fact, Techstars and Innovation Leader recently partnered to r eveal best practices for leveraging startups to drive corporate innovation. MORE
A Model for Starting and Sustaining an Entrepreneurial Community. By Enoch Elwell. Entrepreneurial culture is changing. There’s something exciting afoot if you look through the negative national narrative on the decline of small cities and towns across the United States. MORE
Overlooked Aspects of Inclusion in Ecosystem Building, Part 3. This article is the third in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building. Part one considers age inclusion. MORE
With a population of over 115,000, Springfield, Illinois is a city in transition—transition from an often overlooked state capital to a buzzing center of innovation. . MORE
Half a century ago, Wheeling, West Virginia was a hub of entrepreneurship, innovation and manufacturing. As time passed, however, the city became a labor town, a workforce supplier for many industries that continued to build the city. MORE
It all started with a kumquat festival. Sammy Ortiz, who had lived in Wesley Chapel, Florida for 11 years, was en route to the community bonanza with his family when he missed a turn due to traffic. Lost in an area of town he’d never been to, he gaped at what befell his eyes. “It MORE
Tom Katona had been thinking quite a bit about a simple question. An assistant professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, The post how collaboration can improve entrepreneurship education appeared first on VentureWell. Faculty I&E Ecosystems entrepreneurial mindse MORE
I was talking to a friend today about company values and how important they are but also how lame so many of them are. I told him that some of my favorite company values come from our former portfolio company Twilio (which in the spirit of full disclosure I am still a large shareholder of). MORE
Raising a venture capital fund is hard enough. You’re going around to a bunch of people trying to convince them that you have what it takes to pick the big winners in a sea of aspirational companies that are destined for the scrap heap. MORE
Why talking about “starters” more than “startups” can change the way you view entrepreneurship. By Enoch Elwell. Words are powerful, and they shape our perception of reality. But how much can the perception of one word impact the activities associated with it? MORE
More than half of our CO.STARTERS national team (8 out of 15!) just returned from the third annual ESHIP Summit in Kansas City a few weeks ago. MORE
Industry and university collaboration produces groundbreaking research and innovation that solves complex problems, drives economic growth, and creates a more skilled workforce. The post industry and university collaboration: how partnership drives innovation appeared first on VentureWell. MORE
CO.STARTERS Summit Highlights Deepened Support for Entrepreneurial Leaders. Grassroots entrepreneurial leaders from across the U.S. came together October 2–4 for the fifth CO.STARTERS Summit, held in the organization’s hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. MORE
Defy Colorado is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with criminal histories — who they call Entrepreneurs in Training — create legal business ventures outside of prison. MORE
I haven’t always been a big reader, but I’ve got more into it over the past few years of working with startups. In a past article, Five Pillars of Success: Curated Content for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs , I mentioned that last year I read 12 books. MORE
At the start of 2020, Chelle Neff is wrapping up a decade of considerable success, growth and innovation. In addition to developing Urban Betty , a successful salon with two locations, Neff also created an app for stylists , produced a book about homes in Austin, Texas, and even reached the Inc. MORE
By Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Founder & Visionary. As the ecosystem building approach to economic and community development gains interest and credibility, the title of “ecosystem builder” has emerged to represent a specific type of community leader. MORE
In almost every single investment I’ve ever made, I can think of a singular moment in my relationship with a founder that, no matter what came before or what might come after, defined our relationship. Often times, it came in a very vulnerable and down moment for the founder—perhaps they just lost out on a big opportunity, had someone from the team leave, or they’re running low on capital before sales have come around. MORE
Shining a light on burnout among entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Burnout is not a new topic for the business world. The nature and risks of employee burnout have been extensively researched in relation to large corporations. MORE
By Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Founder & Visionary. MORE
By Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Founder & Visionary. CO.STARTERS recently passed the five-year mark as a company, representing more than a decade of learnings in what is now known as “ecosystem building” support. MORE
We interviewed three leaders in entrepreneurship education about several ways to teach tomorrow's entrepreneurs about ethics. The post 4 Strategies to Integrate Ethics into Entrepreneurship Education appeared first on VentureWell. Faculty entrepreneurship education teaching resources MORE
Tim Hamilton, an EO member in Austin, is founder and CEO of Praxent , a custom software and web app development firm that has been named for three consecutive years to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the US, most recently as #2,118 on the 2019 list. MORE
By Rich Bailey. Many small businesses believe that bank loans aren’t a viable financing option for them. However, there is a lesser known but well established option that is much more accessible?—?the the microloan. MORE
Overlooked Aspects of Inclusion in Ecosystem Building, Part 2. This article is the second in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building. MORE
By Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Founder & Visionary. You spend a lot of your time helping new entrepreneurs get started, and you know this problem when you see it. An email pops up from a small business founder, asking you for more help with the same problem you talked about last week. MORE
Overlooked Aspects of Inclusion in Ecosystem Building, Part 2. By Rich Bailey. This article is the second in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building. MORE
Celebrate 12 Days of Starters, Nov. 24 through Dec. CO.STARTERS celebrates starters this holiday season by urging everyone to shop small! MORE
To kick off the new year—and new decade—we’d like to draw attention to four big ideas that will be of great importance in 2020 and in years to come. The post big ideas 2020: a vision for the future of innovation and entrepreneurship appeared first on VentureWell. MORE
Last month Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Visionary and CEO, shared with the Proximity Space community about ecosystem building, the Chattanooga story, and the unique niche that CO.STARTERS has found to help and support communities to be their best. MORE
Co Starters
DECEMBER 13, 2019
Why talking about “starters” more than “startups” can change the way you view entrepreneurship. By Enoch Elwell. Words are powerful, and they shape our perception of reality. But how much can the perception of one word impact the activities associated with it?
Co Starters
DECEMBER 19, 2019
Shining a light on burnout among entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Burnout is not a new topic for the business world. The nature and risks of employee burnout have been extensively researched in relation to large corporations.
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Co Starters
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
A Model for Starting and Sustaining an Entrepreneurial Community. By Enoch Elwell. Entrepreneurial culture is changing. There’s something exciting afoot if you look through the negative national narrative on the decline of small cities and towns across the United States.
Co Starters
NOVEMBER 29, 2019
Each year during the holiday season we look forward to putting our money where our mission is: helping communities thrive through entrepreneurship.
MAGNiTT and 500 Startups jointly launch first 'State of MENA Startups 2019" report. Survey findings reveal insights on trends in fundraising exercise, exit opportunities, hiring, and growth optimization.
Co Starters
SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
Overlooked Aspects of Inclusion in Ecosystem Building, Part 3. This article is the third in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building. Part one considers age inclusion.
Co Starters
OCTOBER 17, 2019
CO.STARTERS Summit Highlights Deepened Support for Entrepreneurial Leaders. Grassroots entrepreneurial leaders from across the U.S. came together October 2–4 for the fifth CO.STARTERS Summit, held in the organization’s hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Co Starters
MARCH 28, 2019
By Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Founder & Visionary. CO.STARTERS recently passed the five-year mark as a company, representing more than a decade of learnings in what is now known as “ecosystem building” support.
Co Starters
AUGUST 22, 2019
It all started with a kumquat festival. Sammy Ortiz, who had lived in Wesley Chapel, Florida for 11 years, was en route to the community bonanza with his family when he missed a turn due to traffic. Lost in an area of town he’d never been to, he gaped at what befell his eyes. “It
This resource discusses the gap between early funding from friends/family and the more substantial rounds from angel groups and VCs. Why does this gap exist and what can be done about it?
Co Starters
SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
Overlooked Aspects of Inclusion in Ecosystem Building, Part 2. This article is the second in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building.
Co Starters
SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
Overlooked Aspects of Inclusion in Ecosystem Building, Part 2. By Rich Bailey. This article is the second in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building.
Co Starters
SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
By Rich Bailey. This article is the second in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building. Conversations about inclusion in ecosystem building can be difficult because they bring up issues that may become contentious and polarizing.
Co Starters
AUGUST 16, 2019
By Rich Bailey. This article is the first in a three-part series covering sometimes overlooked aspects of inclusion in entrepreneurial ecosystem building.
Co Starters
JULY 26, 2019
By Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Founder & Visionary. As the ecosystem building approach to economic and community development gains interest and credibility, the title of “ecosystem builder” has emerged to represent a specific type of community leader.
Co Starters
MAY 22, 2019
By Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Founder & Visionary.
Co Starters
AUGUST 22, 2019
It all started with a kumquat festival. Sammy Ortiz, who had lived in Wesley Chapel, Florida for 11 years, was en route to the community bonanza with his family when he missed a turn due to traffic. Lost in an area of town he’d never been to, he gaped at what befell his eyes. “It
Co Starters
NOVEMBER 23, 2018
Celebrate 12 Days of Starters, Nov. 24 through Dec. CO.STARTERS celebrates starters this holiday season by urging everyone to shop small!
Co Starters
JANUARY 16, 2019
By Rich Bailey. Many small businesses believe that bank loans aren’t a viable financing option for them. However, there is a lesser known but well established option that is much more accessible?—?the the microloan.
Co Starters
JUNE 26, 2018
By David Kraus. It all started in October, 2013 when Chorus , a New Zealand telecommunications company, launched a competition.
Co Starters
AUGUST 6, 2019
With a population of over 115,000, Springfield, Illinois is a city in transition—transition from an often overlooked state capital to a buzzing center of innovation. .
Co Starters
JULY 9, 2019
Half a century ago, Wheeling, West Virginia was a hub of entrepreneurship, innovation and manufacturing. As time passed, however, the city became a labor town, a workforce supplier for many industries that continued to build the city.
Co Starters
JANUARY 30, 2019
By Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Founder & Visionary. You spend a lot of your time helping new entrepreneurs get started, and you know this problem when you see it. An email pops up from a small business founder, asking you for more help with the same problem you talked about last week.
Co Starters
JANUARY 8, 2019
Last month Enoch Elwell, CO.STARTERS Visionary and CEO, shared with the Proximity Space community about ecosystem building, the Chattanooga story, and the unique niche that CO.STARTERS has found to help and support communities to be their best.
Co Starters
OCTOBER 25, 2018
These days, CO.STARTERS is bubbling with new projects. We’re in the midst of a long-term shift from primarily supporting starters through programs to a broader mission of cultivating entrepreneurial ecosystems by connecting and empowering community builders with a wider spectrum of support.
This is going to be BIG.
OCTOBER 22, 2018
In almost every single investment I’ve ever made, I can think of a singular moment in my relationship with a founder that, no matter what came before or what might come after, defined our relationship. Often times, it came in a very vulnerable and down moment for the founder—perhaps they just lost out on a big opportunity, had someone from the team leave, or they’re running low on capital before sales have come around.
Venture Well
JANUARY 14, 2020
To kick off the new year—and new decade—we’d like to draw attention to four big ideas that will be of great importance in 2020 and in years to come. The post big ideas 2020: a vision for the future of innovation and entrepreneurship appeared first on VentureWell.
Venture Well
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
Industry and university collaboration produces groundbreaking research and innovation that solves complex problems, drives economic growth, and creates a more skilled workforce. The post industry and university collaboration: how partnership drives innovation appeared first on VentureWell.
Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
NOVEMBER 27, 2019
By Elise Kemp. As a part of the YLAI Network’s mission, community involvement in fostering development is critical. Hearing about the impact that our networkmembers are making in their own communities is a real privilege and helps us see how impactful it can be to volunteer locally.
This is going to be BIG.
JANUARY 15, 2020
Raising a venture capital fund is hard enough. You’re going around to a bunch of people trying to convince them that you have what it takes to pick the big winners in a sea of aspirational companies that are destined for the scrap heap.
TechStars
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
I haven’t always been a big reader, but I’ve got more into it over the past few years of working with startups. In a past article, Five Pillars of Success: Curated Content for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs , I mentioned that last year I read 12 books.
TechStars
OCTOBER 2, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Venture Well
OCTOBER 8, 2019
Tom Katona had been thinking quite a bit about a simple question. An assistant professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, The post how collaboration can improve entrepreneurship education appeared first on VentureWell. Faculty I&E Ecosystems entrepreneurial mindse
Venture Well
JULY 16, 2019
We interviewed three leaders in entrepreneurship education about several ways to teach tomorrow's entrepreneurs about ethics. The post 4 Strategies to Integrate Ethics into Entrepreneurship Education appeared first on VentureWell. Faculty entrepreneurship education teaching resources
Entrepreneurs' Organization
JANUARY 6, 2020
At the start of 2020, Chelle Neff is wrapping up a decade of considerable success, growth and innovation. In addition to developing Urban Betty , a successful salon with two locations, Neff also created an app for stylists , produced a book about homes in Austin, Texas, and even reached the Inc.
TechStars
JUNE 3, 2019
Partnering with startups is a great way to accelerate the entire corporate innovation journey. In fact, Techstars and Innovation Leader recently partnered to r eveal best practices for leveraging startups to drive corporate innovation.
Entrepreneurs' Organization
DECEMBER 17, 2019
Monique Maissan is an Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member in Shanghai, CEO of Vision Textiles, and founder of Waste2Weave. Monique has been a pioneer in sustainability in the notoriously environmentally unfriendly textile and fashion industry for more than 20 years.
A VC: Musings of a VC in NYC
NOVEMBER 12, 2019
I was talking to a friend today about company values and how important they are but also how lame so many of them are. I told him that some of my favorite company values come from our former portfolio company Twilio (which in the spirit of full disclosure I am still a large shareholder of).
TechStars
DECEMBER 3, 2019
Defy Colorado is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with criminal histories — who they call Entrepreneurs in Training — create legal business ventures outside of prison.
Entrepreneurs' Organization
JANUARY 21, 2020
Tim Hamilton, an EO member in Austin, is founder and CEO of Praxent , a custom software and web app development firm that has been named for three consecutive years to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the US, most recently as #2,118 on the 2019 list.
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