Breaking Down Barriers

Kim recently had the opportunity to interview Melvin Coleman, CEO of the Atlanta Black Chambers, for the Breaking Down Barriers podcast. During their engaging conversation, Melvin shared insights into the transformative work the Atlanta Black Chambers is spearheading in the city. They explored the organization’s initiatives to support and empower Black-owned businesses, foster economic growth, and create opportunities for the African American community in Atlanta. The discussion highlighted the Chamber’s innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and its role in addressing systemic barriers to success for Black entrepreneurs and professionals. Melvin M. Coleman is the President & CEO of the Atlanta Black Chambers, an organization of over 1000 entrepreneurs. A Georgia native and Navy veteran, Melvin holds an MBA from Georgia Southern University. He’s the Chief Investment Officer at Essential Wealth Management Group and has a background in business development at UPS. Melvin is known for his transformative leadership and commitment to fostering Black-owned businesses. He’s received multiple awards for his work in bringing people together and is currently the President of the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers.

This episode of the Economic Impact Catalyst podcast delves into the Wisconsin Economic Development Network (WiDEN). Host David Ponraj is joined by Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director of The Business Council, Inc., and Chair of the Ethnic and Diverse Business Coalition, along with Dr. Bri Robins, Director of Community Development at Economic Impact Catalyst. Together, they explore WiDEN’s statewide initiatives and their potential nationwide impact.

Since its founding in 2018 by CEO David Ponraj, EIC has been committed to fostering inclusive economic prosperity through data-driven solutions and partnerships. Over the past six years, the company has solidified its position as a trusted partner for government agencies, leveraging its robust technology platform and deep expertise to streamline program administration and enhance the impact of funding initiatives.Small businesses in the US start with the promise of the American dream. Yet many Americans, especially minority groups like people of color, immigrants, veterans, women, and returning citizens face an undue and unAmerican set of barriers in their pursuit of this dream. Our clients across the country have dedicated their lives to breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship and small business success. Our primary mission is to support these economic and community development professionals by giving them the tools and data needed to achieve this goal. – David Ponraj, Founder & CEO

Join Kim Vogel from Economic Impact Catalyst as she interviews Jessica Eilerman, the founder of Forward Communities Consulting Group (FCCG), in this insightful episode on public-private partnerships (PPPs).Jessica Eilerman brings a wealth of experience to the discussion, with 18 years in public service, non-profit, and association management. Following her recent move to the Greater St. Louis area from Florida, she established FCCG with a mission to facilitate impactful economic, community, and policy development.During her tenure at the City of St. Petersburg, Eilerman spearheaded various initiatives in economic and business development, fostering collaborative relationships and formulating policies to support businesses. She also played a pivotal role in managing The Greenhouse, St. Petersburg’s entrepreneurship and business development center.Prior to her city service, Eilerman served as the Southwest Florida Market Manager for Florida’s Department of Financial Services, where she supported citizens and businesses across the Gulf Coast market.With extensive experience in policy development, project management, strategic communications, and community development, Eilerman is a recognized champion for small businesses and equitable economic development.

In this episode of Breaking Down Barriers, we welcome Gisele Hamm, MA program director for the MAPPING the Future of Your Community strategic visioning and planning program at the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University and Chris Merrett Dean for Innovation and Economic Development and the Director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University (WIU). The IIRA is a university-based research, outreach, teaching, and policy development center that identifies and implements strategies for sustainable rural community and economic development. Merrett also serves as WIU Distinguished University Professor.Many rural communities across the country face challenges like population decline, limited resources, and a lack of opportunities. But there’s good news: with strategic planning and a focus on homegrown solutions, these communities can not only survive but thrive.

As part of the American Rescue Plan, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 is providing billions to support small businesses and drive innovation across the country. In this interactive panel discussion, Host David Ponraj is joined by economic development leaders from California, Iowa and Mississippi as they share how they are designing inclusive, statewide Technical Assistance programs to ensure equitable access to SSBCI capital and resources. Here are some of the highlights:Overcoming Barriers Through Trusted ConnectorsPrograms bring in trusted community organizations as “connectors” to reach underserved entrepreneurs“It’s important to have those boots on the ground, community partners…they’re trusted compared to a state office” – Mary Kelly, Iowa Economic Development AuthorityMinority chambers, local libraries and more help build pathways to overlooked businessesDesigning for Equity and Inclusion From the StartCalifornia took an innovative “mesh network” approach by partnering diverse entities across categories“The intent was it would be collaborative…touching every industry from every corner of California” – Shalawn Garcia, California Office of the Small Business AdvocatePrograms focus on promoting capital readiness and access for all through targeted outreachMeeting Stringent Reporting & Compliance NeedsRobust data tracking and customized systems ensure granular reporting to meet federal requirementsDetailed intake surveys capture business intel from the start to streamline compliance“We’ve been pleased with how easy it’s been to modify systems for our specific process needs” – Don Calcote, Mississippi Small Business Development Center

In this insightful discussion, Host David Ponraj speaks with John Dearie, President of the Center for American Entrepreneurship (CAE). John lays out a compelling case for why fostering entrepreneurship is pivotal for driving U.S. economic growth, job creation, and innovation. As America faces challenges around lackluster economic performance and declining startup rates, Dearie and his organization are working to put entrepreneurship at the forefront of the policy agenda. Some critical takeaways from this conversation:Why Entrepreneurship Matters:Entrepreneurship is critical for economic growth, job creation, opportunity expansion and rising wagesMost major innovations that have transformed economies stem from startups and entrepreneursU.S. entrepreneurship has been in decline for 4 decades, contributing to slower economic growthReversing this trend is “one of the most important and fundamental challenges facing the country”CAE’s Mission:Educate policymakers on the vital role of entrepreneurship and reduce barriers to starting businessesAdvocate for an “American Entrepreneurship Agenda” addressing capital, talent, regulation, and moreChampion inclusive entrepreneurship by expanding access for women and entrepreneurs of colorSupport entrepreneurs at all stages from starting up to recovering from failurePolicy Victories:Established first Congressional Entrepreneurship Caucuses in House and SenateKey role in bills like the Expanding American Entrepreneurship Act and CHIPS and Science ActDriving policies to restore startup R&D tax treatment and expand the child tax creditPushing for bankruptcy reform, affordable healthcare, and reducing student debt burdens

In this episode, Host, David Ponraj is joined by Tarsha Hearns, Sr. Director at The DEC Network in Dallas, TX. Together, they shared the progress of our exciting, collaborative initiative to support underrepresented founders in Dallas. The Dallas-based Entrepreneur of Color Credit Enhancement Fund study was launched in 2023 with an anticipated fund implementation in the fall of 2024. This fund is a partnership between The DEC Network and Economic Impact Catalyst, with generous support from JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Kellogg’s Foundation, and TD Jakes Foundation. Tarsha Hearns knows these challenges all too well. As an entrepreneur of color herself, she has lived the same struggle to access capital holding back so many others. During a recent conference session, Hearns provided raw insight into how DEC is working to change the status quo for diverse founders in Dallas. As Hearns explains, DEC undertook extensive research to unpack why so many minority and women entrepreneurs in the city could not access loans or investments. They conducted focus groups, surveys, and outreach to both business owners and the ecosystem meant to serve them.

In this episode, Host David Ponraj digs into the immense potential in public sector work with Carroll Bernard, CEO & Co-Founder at Govology.com, and former government worker at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Carroll and his team at Govology specialize in opening up opportunities in the $500 billion government contracting market to small businesses, as there is an immense gap in awareness about government programs.“The government procurement process can seem daunting, but the reward is well worth the effort – very sustainable revenue streams that allow companies to grow. Do good work [for the government] and there’s always more business available, unlike the budget constraints in the private sector.”Carroll shares deep insights and processes to help small businesses navigate the government sales process and land those lucrative federal, state and local contracts; from researching spending data to crafting winning proposals.David and Carroll explore the advantages of the 8A program for small disadvantaged businesses, including sole source contracts and set-aside contracts, as well as the potential for teaming opportunities with larger businesses. The discussion covers the essential steps for businesses to register on sam.gov and qualify for government programs, including the importance of market research before registering on SAM and identifying relevant NAICS codes and product service codes. They delve into the intricate details of small business certifications and government contracting, highlighting the specific eligibility criteria and federal programs available, including individual-based certifications for service-disabled veterans, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned businesses, as well as location-based certifications like HUBZone.Learn more about public procurement at Govology.comConnect with Carroll Bernard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrollbernard/Resource: USAspending is the official open data source of federal spending information, including information about federal awards such as contracts, grants, and loans. https://www.usaspending.gov/

In this episode, host David Ponraj has a no holds barred conversation with Donovan Duncan, Executive Vice President of Urban Strategies, Inc. They discuss USI’s place-based initiative that focuses on housing, people, and economic solutions. Donovan shares that having a strong sense of place and belonging is what makes a thriving community; it is the most central part of economic development. “Place is at the epicenter of all things, of all experiences, of transformation and change. It’s how people ground themselves in their identity.” He also shares some staggering statistics around homelessness and the wealth gap. Learn more about USI’s work in cities like Cleveland, which has a housing-first model with a goal of ending chronic homelessness by the year 2030 using an intentional, grassroots approach. They discuss fallacies around low-income housing, the good and bad of capitalism when it comes to equity, and the limited lens of credit scoring. Donovan also outlines his Big Hairy Audacious Goal for 2024, to incrementally lessen the wealth gap for African American households using a targeted, tracked and very specific method. An ambitious goal that can change the industry framework so that it meets the moment that we are in and creates opportunity for all. Connect with Donovan on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovan-duncan-7b5a8356/ Email: Donovan.Duncan@usi-inc.org Website: https://urbanstrategiesinc.org/

In this episode, host David Ponraj speaks with Johnathan Holifield, published author and highly practiced economic development authority, about his book: The Future Economy and Inclusive Competitiveness. Johnathan, the Architect of Inclusive Competitiveness (™) is the former executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCU and senior vice president of Bitwise Industries, and who’s now looking for his next big challenge where he can contribute to meaningful change.The two share an animated and deeply philosophical discussion about what defines and impedes economic equity and economic mobility in America. Economic mobility hinges on ownership – ownership of assets and ownership of skills. A combination of the two is the key for individuals to achieve economic equity.Johnathan shares that “the constitution protects us against racial discrimination, but doesn’t protect us with economic rights.” They discuss how the “race factor” has been a crutch when attempting to understand economic inequities, and that we haven’t been creative in addressing true solutions. Economic equity is hard to measure and is a difficult concept. That does not mean that it is not a critical concept worth measuring. About Johnathan Holifield: Johnathan is an Innovation Economy leader, civil rights advocate and former NFL athlete. His community roles, which evolved into economic development–especially with regard to tech / innovation–are of special note, including NAACP and other civic entrepreneurial roles, which opened the door to the VP, New Economy Enterprise, Cincinnati USA Chamber of Commerce and Founding Executive. Director, CincyTech. This began his career in economic development.

In this episode, host David Ponraj and CO.STARTERS CEO Jose Alfaro discuss the power of collaborations between economic developers, entrepreneurs, local leaders, and other partners to drive economic growth. They share success stories from Nashville, Sioux Falls, and beyond, highlighting how CO.STARTERS initiatives create the infrastructure, culture, and investment needed to attract businesses and revitalize communities. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting diverse entrepreneurs and investing in local leaders who understand small town needs. Alfaro also provides insights on building sustainable revenue sources for entrepreneurship programs through partnerships. Tune in to hear inspirational examples of how collaboration and entrepreneurship can reimagine economic development. About CO.STARTERS CO.STARTERS is a ten-week program that equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving business. Learn more: https://www.costarters.co/about About Jose Jose Alfaro stands out as an experienced leader with a proven track record of building sustainable and thriving business models on a large scale. His distinctive strength lies in recognizing and nurturing the unique gifts and strengths of individuals, enabling him to form cohesive and goal-oriented teams. At the helm of CO.STARTERS, Jose places a strong emphasis on empowering individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial passions, leading a global effort to transform the very culture of entrepreneurship. His leadership journey is marked by a dedication to building strong, sustainable communities and businesses. Connect with Jose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-m-alfaro/

The Dallas Entrepreneurs Center (DEC) is on a mission to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers underserved communities. Through mentorship and connecting entrepreneurs to vital resources, The DEC Network helps businesses launch and grow across the North Texas region.With a focus on supporting entrepreneurs of color facing unique challenges, The DEC is committed to inclusive economic development. That’s why the organization spearheaded the new Dallas Capital Access Initiative, created to address glaring disparities in access to capital following a 2019 study. In this episode, hear from Tarsha Hearns, Senior Director of The DEC Network, on her team’s work to meet the immense unmet need for funding among minority and women entrepreneurs. Tarsha also speaks about her recent experience at the White House, where she met with President Joe Biden to discuss the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and her advocacy on their behalf. The DEC Network continues leading the charge in providing historically underrepresented founders the tools to turn their dreams into thriving businesses.

Unlocking Hidden Talent: A Guide to Transformative Workforce Development EIC hosted an empowering webinar on Thursday, August 10th that highlighted NEW BOOST™ for Hidden Talent, a groundbreaking workforce development program for the BIPOC community. NEW BOOST™ for Hidden Talent provides customized skills training, career coaching, and job placement support to unlock the potential of talented individuals eager to meaningfully contribute their abilities. Attendees heard firsthand from program experts on how NEW BOOST™ for Hidden Talent is transforming workforce development by cultivating new career pathways and addressing systemic barriers to employment. The webinar provided valuable insights on implementing impactful workforce training initiatives that open doors, provide equal opportunities, and strengthen local economies. Panelists include:

In 2022, we partnered with The DEC Network to address the capital access gap among Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in Dallas County. With generous support from JPMorgan Chase & Co., The DEC Network and Economic Impact Catalyst (EIC) undertook an in-depth assessment to develop recommendations and effective interventions.The DEC NetworkThe DEC Network is a 501c3 non-profit organization driving innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build and grow their businesses. With a number of innovation hubs across DFW, we provide expert education, access to knowledgeable mentors and a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Learn more at https://thedec.co/.TruFund Financial ServicesTruFund Financial Services, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) headquartered in New York City with field offices in Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas. TruFund tailors its financial and technical assistance to the unique needs of each site—from contract mobilization lending in New York and Louisiana to rural Black Belt initiatives in Alabama. Learn more at https://www.trufund.org/.eqALL Business SolutionsEqALL is a social enterprise and entrepreneur support organization dedicated to changing the founder experience by creating eqall access to resources, support and capital readiness. We support startups and the spaces that grow them by helping organizations build capacity to serve small business founders through customized solutions designed to meet founders where they are. Learn more at https://eqall.co/.

In this episode, host David Ponraj speaks with Matt Wagner, Ph.D, Chief Program Officer at National Main Street Center, about the vital role small businesses play in communities across America. They discuss how local businesses are the heart and soul of Main Street, serving as hubs for social connection and economic growth. Matt also speaks about his new podcast, Main Street Business Insights, and its inspiration to uplift the stories of small business owners who invest in their neighborhoods and towns, providing a platform for peers to learn from each other and highlight the convergence of social and economic impact. Matt was a previous guest on Breaking Down Barriers in 2021. Check out that episode here:https://economicimpactcatalyst.com/matt-wagner-on-breaking-down-barriers/ About Main Street Business Insights podcast Each week, join host Matt Wagner, Ph.D., as he travels the country and takes a deep dive into the personal journeys of downtown and neighborhood entrepreneurs. The stories that far too often go unheard. Learn about the innovative ways that these Main Street businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track. Available where you get your podcasts. Subscribe today and get inspired, get informed, and get in motion. Learn more and listen

In this episode, show host David Ponraj speaks with Leslie Lynn Smith, National Executive Director for GET Cities (Gender Equality in Tech) at SecondMuse, about her journey and lessons learned in economic development and ecosystem building.Listeners will learn about the importance of collaboration between different organizations and initiatives, thinking holistically about workforce development alongside fostering entrepreneurship, and the critical need to ensure inclusion in ecosystem building and community revitalization efforts. Leslie shares about her past work across Michigan, at Epicenter in Memphis, TN, and her recent work with Gender Equity in Tech Cities (GET Cities), a national initiative focused on increasing opportunities for women, trans, and non-binary people across tech ecosystems in several cities. She reflects on applying strategies from Detroit to build an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Memphis and bringing together different parts of the city’s innovation economy, including designing interventions tailored to address specific inclusion gaps and challenges in each city.Key themes include facilitating connections between stakeholders, the value of convening, and maintaining a commitment to justice, equity, and community impact throughout Leslie’s career navigating economic crises and driving change.

In this episode, show host David Ponraj and special guest Evan Adams examine the Dallas College Venture Club and Dallas College with Cristin Thomas, Senior Director of Small Business and Entrepreneur Innovation at Dallas College. Listeners will learn more about the roots of DCVC and the Bill J. Priest Institute for workforce and economic development. They will also learn about the wide variety of programs and services available in Dallas County with the help of Dallas College. Cristin outlines their organization’s growth, and Evan shares his own experience at DCVC, from the creative artwork to the stories hidden within the furniture.

In this episode, host David Ponraj is joined by Melissa Roberts Chapman. Melissa leads Federation of American Scientists regional entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem-building work across the country. Both David and Melissa dive into EDA funding, tech hubs, the CHIPS Act, and much more.Also featured in this episode, Melissa and David discuss innovation, innovation ecosystems, and ecosystem building. Melissa details necessity-driven entrepreneurship vs opportunity-driven entrepreneurship.David and Melissa also ponder on a pressing question, “Who is the gatekeeper, who are these ecosystem builders who can equitably distribute the wealth coming from EDA funding towards tech hubs?”In connection with current events and current federal priorities, the Biden administration emphasizes competition with China for efficiency. The CHIPS Act and more are helping to allow for equitable wealth creation and a beautiful, efficient system will be created. In the CHIPS Act, there are ten critical technologies, such as quantum computing, advanced comms technology, biotech, energy storage, and more. This is where a line is drawn in the sand, as it is where we want to compete with China to be successful within the next ten years.

In this captivating episode, host David Ponraj is joined by Sharon Nichols, State Director at the Mississippi Small Business Development Center.The Mississippi SBDC is the gateway to, and premier provider of, small business assistance and resources that lead to success and entrepreneurial growth throughout the state. Their mission is to foster Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem; providing businesses with expertise and resources that drive success. Sharon discusses that SBDCs, generally, are tasked to do a huge array of work but the breadth isn’t deep. This is why she notes that Mississippi SBDC is serving as the gateway to entrepreneurship at the right time.Sharon also mentions the importance of SSBCI, the State Small Business Credit Initiative. Some entrepreneurs do not know how to do financial applications, and with SSBCI, these needs are identified and addressed. The Mississippi SBDC is looking forward to helping those who are getting seed funding to receive mechanisms that provide Technical Assistance (TA) so that the funding can effectively add jobs, retain jobs, and increase business success.The conversation ends with Sharon describing that she has learned many lessons in her professional career, and remarks that if you focus on what you can’t do, it’ll be difficult to improve. But if you focus on what you can do, you’ll make a true difference.

Melody and Jeff work for Invest Atlanta, the City of Atlanta’s economic development authority. Their goal is to create economic prosperity and vibrant communities in and around Atlanta. Both Melody and Jeff specialize in programs to help with access to, and knowledge of, resources in underprivileged communities. In this episode, they speak on TA programming, in partnership with local business consultants. These localized partners specialize in HR, tax, marketing, social media, accounting, and finance. Educating small businesses on these programs through local partners helps to alleviate skepticism in utilizing free business resources. A portal is available using Startup Space to track the business owners’ interactions with the technical assistance provider, while recording progress and measuring impact.This engaging episode emphasizes the importance of how entrepreneurship can truly drive economic development. At the time of this podcast, more than a dozen consultants have partnered with Invest Atlanta, assisting 200 businesses, and totaling 3,000+ hours of consulting. These initiatives also track new jobs being created, as well as new businesses being started.

In this special and intriguing episode, guest host Jodi McLean, Director of Sales and Marketing at EIC, is joined by Chris Heivly, Managing Director of Build the Fort, an umbrella entity that helps Chris serve entrepreneurs, startup companies and startup community champions through books, speaking, in-person workshops, and consulting. Chris is one of the nation’s leading experts on launching startups and has been dubbed the “Startup Whisperer.” He co-founded MapQuest, is an angel investor, ran a corporate venture fund and 2 micro venture funds (directed over $75M) and was recently SVP Innovation with Techstars.Heivly discusses the complexity of ecosystem building and the 4 levels of community maturity: nascent, developing, emerging, and leading. He breaks down the 7 drivers that are needed to activate these different stages of community ecosystems. Different drivers are used for different business stages. Jodi and Chris speak on mentorship, which is critical, and helps to build great community leaders. Developing good community relationships is key. You need to inspire and support new startups, while also developing new investors, corporations, universities, and government. Heivly remarks that you cannot have an ecosystem without community.

In this Special Edition episode of Breaking Down Barriers, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, host David Ponraj has an in-depth and raw conversation with guest Johnny Crowder, entrepreneur and founder of Cope Notes, and advocate for mental health.David and Johnny have shared a friendship and served as peers and advocates for each other through their entrepreneurial journey. Cope Notes and EIC both celebrate five years in business this month (May 2023.) They have both managed to reach this benchmark, despite the known, difficult barriers to entrepreneurship in the critical first five years of growth. This Special Edition podcast celebrates their combined achievement, while also acknowledging Mental Health Awareness. Entrepreneurs face many stresses that can affect their mental health – failure, stress, anxiety, and burnout, to name a few.Johnny speaks candidly about his personal experience with mental health, and what piqued his interest in the psychology of the human mind, stemming from his own story, being a suicide survivor and front man for a death metal band.Johnny speaks on the origins of his entrepreneurial journey, from startup to the 5-year mark.Cope Notes’ main mission is to be the “tooth and floss” of the mental health world. Supportive messaging, instinctive journaling, and more can become a healthy daily habit that is integrated into all systems of care.

In this episode, host David Ponraj talks with Danny McDonald, SBA Expert for Listo SBA, who specializes in 7(a) loans to finance Working Capital, Debt Refinance, Business Acquisitions, Building Acquisitions, Partner Buyouts and more.McDonald talks about the roots of his professional journey until now. He describes how important it is to him to see small businesses growing. He started his career path with a non-profit small business support organization. He then developed an affinity toward small business, and emphasized how a business idea can go from a dream to getting first dollar revenue, to growing the company, raising money, and exiting and bringing many dollars to the local community. McDonald also speaks about resources that can help underrepresented entrepreneurs and the best ways to hit goals as a company. Also, McDonald explains that his job is to let entrepreneurs think critically about what they are preparing, and to show numbers that are believable. Traction needs to be shown in the market in order to be investible, and this messaging does not get talked about a lot, which is why he has such an interest in it.McDonald’s niche is Latino entrepreneurs. The hustle mentality is strong within this culture, and there is a desire to sell, sell, sell in that community. At times, there can be a disconnect in terms of content and resources for entrepreneurs not being available in Spanish language and messaging, which could allow for more opportunity and understanding. That is exactly why Danny believes in the importance of material being available to those from diverse backgrounds.

Dr. Robins speaks on connecting underrepresented business owners and workers to more opportunities. Dr. Robins focuses on a population of society that is marginalized and overlooked in different ways, and she works with companies that have a need for a talented workforce. This helps to increase an employee’s sense of belonging and inclusion and addresses negative turnover.Dr. Robins is on the board of African Heritage Inc., with a mission to advance the wellbeing of African Americans in NE Wisconsin. Through African Heritage Inc., Dr. Robins has assisted with the digital literacy program funded by local workforce development boards. The lack of significant digital literacy skills results in an increased employee turnover rate. This is why the program has been put in place. Dr. Robins desires to replicate this program, to address the employee turnover concern, based on its successes. From several studies, it has been found that Black and Hispanic individuals were hit the hardest as far as job opportunities, while being faced with a lower earning potential. Dr. Robins is determined to empower these minority workers, to allow them to gain more skillsets and enhance their employability.Throughout the discussion, Dr. Robins emphasizes her need to keep a strong sense of character and grit. This includes having compassion and being the voice of reason and speaking up for those who are underrepresented and underserved.Community development and economic development are strongly intertwined, Dr. Robins highlights this in her everyday life while developing her relationships with her local community. She actively serves on committees and boards, and loves being involved in conversations on corporate responsibility and sustainability. She believes in the power to navigate in multiple networks in order to support, share and build the region. In her role, there is a responsibility to contribute to the community, and she carries this into everything she does.

In this episode, host David Ponraj speaks with Wendy Lea, CEO of Energize Colorado and Advisory Council Member of National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE). Lea discusses the roots of Energize Colorado & ecosystem building, and how the main mission is to close the gaps that are significant for underserved entrepreneurs. Lea also mentions NACIE, and the development of the Regional Innovation Hubs, which allow for technological advancement and growth of tech businesses. Included, Lea speaks to the importance of global service providers, specifically McKinsey in Ohio, who teed up and researched the opportunity to launch Cintrifuse, a public private partnership.The National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE) is in the Department of Commerce, and it helps with supporting entrepreneurs who are advocating for innovative technologies. Regional Innovation Hubs include an economic development initiative to increase technology and innovation related change. Added, Regional Innovation Hubs include a ten billion dollar program in which ten regional hubs will be launched over time. This is one program in CHIPS & Science. The goal for a region is a billion dollars for five years. This would be catalytic capital to allow for technological advancement and talent patterns, which can center around diversity and inclusivity.

In this discussion, host David Ponraj talks with Dr. Robert Blaine, Sr. Executive and Director of the Institute for Youth, Education and Families at National League of Cities (NLC) and the CAO for the City of Jackson, MS. Dr. Blaine reveals how the NLC is working tirelessly to bring economic inclusion to marginalized residents at a city level, to provide human infrastructure along with physical infrastructure. While necessary efforts are going toward safe roads, clean water and energy efficiency, they also focus on economic dignity for all residents including access to good schools, resources for health and wellness, and financial empowerment tools.The National League of Cities, in partnership with the federal government and several notable nonprofits, are offering FREE programs to any city that needs financial help and guidance to improve their human and physical infrastructure. They provide various grants, along with 4-month programs that will ensure the grant money is used strategically and will create a positive impact. There are new opportunities to apply for programs that address challenges like clean water, safe roads, energy efficiency, broadband access, and factory revitalization. Every four months, a new group of programs launches, so check back often.

In this episode, guest host Molly King is joined by Teresa Grandal Cusse, Assistant Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation in Fort Lauderdale, FL.The Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation is a public-private partnership between Nova Southeastern University and Broward County acting as an economic and education development engine linking the South Florida innovation ecosystem.The Levan Center supports the Founder’s Journey from birth of an idea through successful exit or global expansion providing programs, events, and wraparound services to entrepreneurs and early-stage startups for the buildout and scaleup of their business.

In this discussion, we are joined by leaders in the field who are forging powerful diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives to expand economic opportunity and break down barriers for women and minority entrepreneurs. In this segment of the Catalyst Network 2022 Discussion Series, we analyze how uniting entrepreneurial opportunity and economic development practice, with a focus on racial equity and the voice of underserved communities, is central to changing long-term economic outcomes for our communities.Panelists Include:Eneida Roman, Co-Founder, Amplify LatinXLaurie Supinski, Director, Start GardenRaquel Robinson, Director of Programming, Lightship FoundationDavid Ponraj, Economic Impact Catalyst, Moderator

From non-profits to the private sector, Ms. Metzer possesses an array of skills and experiences in project management and ecosystem development. In addition, Ms. Metzer is a self-motivated entrepreneur and works passionately to develop rural opportunities in Appalachia and across the country. Ms. Metzer currently serves as the Vice-President and Co-founder of the National Center for Resource Development, helping mission-driven organizations increase their impact. Ms. Metzer’s primary focus at NCRD is on rural – including identification and development of rural opportunities.Ms. Metzer has managed a variety of initiatives with a focus in Broadband, Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, Environmental Industry and Creative Ecosystem Development across the United States as well as Global entrepreneurship programs. In this episode, Tina Metzer joins host David Ponraj to discuss rural community development, entrepreneurship programs, and best practices on supporting rural communities in a collaborative way. Tina also shares her journey to supporting rural communities and creating a greater impact.

KY Innovation successfully targets resources to support startups, traditional small businesses, and innovation-driven entrepreneurs. The team’s work reaches across business lifespans to dramatically improve Kentucky’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. The goal is to significantly increase the number of new company startups annually. Entrepreneurship-led economic development principles shared in this episode: Defining innovationIdentifying barriers that diverse leaders may face and how to create opportunities for the next generationThe benefit of public-private partnershipsThe role mentorship has played in Monique’s career and how it impacts the entrepreneurship community in KentuckyPrograms and incentives KY Innovation offers to meet the needs of the entrepreneurial and innovation communityThe importance of engaging the community in a meaningful way and telling the stories of local entrepreneursHow to effectively and efficiently make resources accessible to entrepreneurs and innovators Their Secret Sauce to breaking down silos in the Kentucky ecosystemImpactful Economic Development InitiativesKY Innovation focuses on three core initiatives that enable the state to provide greater support, including: ProgramsIncentives & Financial ProgramsEngagementThe KY Innovation Hubsinitiative makes an impressive statewide impact. The hubs demonstrate the state’s commitment to meeting the needs of entrepreneurs in Kentucky exactly where they are. These regional innovation clusters comprise a 120-county effort to modernize Kentucky’s support for entrepreneurs and high-tech, high-growth-potential startups. The hubs leverage each region’s unique strengths in growing the overall economy. Empathy for the EntrepreneurBy directly engaging and listening to entrepreneurs, the team at KY Innovation more clearly understands what the community needs. Building trusting relationships underlies the strategy for how KY Innovation serves the community. This allows KY Innovation to develop a diversified collection of resources for entrepreneurs to fuel their growth and drive economic development.The Convener Role​​The Commonwealth of Kentucky increasingly leverages its power as a convener to propel entrepreneurial activity. By bringing organizations doing similar work together, the state enhances collaboration and facilitates sharing of knowledge. Getting involved at the local level provides the perspective necessary for effective investment and policy making.

In this episode of Breaking Down Barriers, Host David Ponraj talks to three prominent economic development leaders. They share their perspectives from the federal, state, and local levels about how economic developers can empower microbusinesses.The panel discusses ways to revitalize those businesses with 1-9 employees that were negatively affected by the pandemic. Many studies focused on the distribution of relief grants, but the panelists say microbusinesses are overlooked and have been historically ignored by lenders and economic developers. According to the SBA, microbusinesses make up 90% of all businesses in the US. This creates 66% of new job opportunities. We find microbusinesses face sizable barriers to capital access and technical assistance, among other vital business resources.Fund, Suzanne Perreault, Small Business Program Manager for Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Connie Evans, President & CEO for Association for Enterprise Opportunity, as they discuss the challenges microbusinesses face, and have long-faced, until a global pandemic revealed a critical need for economic developers to address and rectify, through innovation in resource allocation and policy change.

This week, Diane Bevan, entrepreneur and Executive Director of the Idaho Women’s Business Center and CEO of the Idaho Hispanic Foundation will join David Ponraj for an interview.An entrepreneur in her own right, Diane has built her career on making connections and building business. The two discuss Diane’s vision for empowering women entrepreneurs through education, support, and mentorship.

In this special two-part episode, host David Ponraj is joined by collaborators Philip Berkaw and Samira Cook Gains. Berkaw is Program Director of the Center for City Solutions at National League of Cities, an advocacy organization with more than 2,400 member cities. Samira Cook Gains, is Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Rising Tide Capital, a non-profit organization whose mission is to transform lives and communities through entrepreneurship and business development. The two guide us through practical strategies for implementing new policies, programs and practices that increase economic opportunity through small business ownership and entrepreneurship.

In this special two-part episode, host David Ponraj is joined by collaborators Philip Berkaw and Samira Cook Gains. Berkaw is Program Director of the Center for City Solutions at National League of Cities, an advocacy organization with more than 2,400 member cities. Samira Cook Gains, is Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Rising Tide Capital, a non-profit organization whose mission is to transform lives and communities through entrepreneurship and business development. The two guide us through practical strategies for implementing new policies, programs and practices that increase economic opportunity through small business ownership and entrepreneurship.

Access to capital is the biggest barrier to building a thriving small business sector. Innovation is the only way out. This episode features the audio recording from the virtual EIC Catalyst Network Discussion Series held on March 24, 2022. In a panel moderated by podcast host David Ponraj, we hear from trailblazers with noteworthy advancements in small business lending, technical assistance, and philanthropy. The conversation explores opportunities and actionable steps to help solve the capital problem in the development of inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.Chanell Scott Contreras, ProsperUS (Detroit, MI)Aaron Seybert, Social Investment Practice, Kresge Foundation (National based in Detroit, MI)Steve Wanta, JUST (Austin, TX)Moderated by David Ponraj, EICLearn more about the EIC Catalyst Network Discussion Series

This week, host David Ponraj talks to Nathan Ohle, an internationally recognized expert in economic development and the president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), a non-partisan organization with more than 5,000 members globally. Nathan explains why equity is the core for every local community “regardless of size, shape or geography” to drive economic opportunity in the future. Nathan shares his perspective on investing in wealth creation and discusses how communities can work to align philanthropy, federal resources, and local partners to find the capacity and practical solutions to participate actively in equitable development. He explains why small business must be part of a proactive long-term strategy.

Access to Capital – On this week’s episode economic opportunity champion Demetra Brown shares her journey to disrupt silos in the interest of better serving entrepreneurs in Dallas, Texas. As Senior Director with The DEC Network, Brown oversees the organization’s ecosystem-building coalition working to support underrepresented small business owners throughout the small business ecosystem. She and host David Ponraj explore innovative ways to increase access to capital for entrepreneurship to drive wealth creation in historically disinvested communities.

A budding entrepreneur recently told Lyneir Richardson that “the 5 Cs of Credit are discriminatory.” In 2022, Mr. Richardson believes that the clarion call for economic developers is how to address and change the systems in a way that makes entrepreneurship and capital access more inclusive. During this frank conversation, host David Ponraj and our guest, Lyneir Richardson, Executive Director of the Center For Urban Entrepreneurship And Economic Development at Rutgers University, discuss the challenging requirements of breaking down the barriers to capital access for BIPOC founders. The ultimate goal, in the words of Mr. Richardson, is creating opportunity for people, and in places, that other people overlook and undervalue; creating an open path to wealth creation for all. How do we do that? The first step is acknowledging that there is a problem. David and Lyneir discuss strategies for Economic Developers to heed the call and move the needle.

In this episode, on Breaking Down Barriers, host David Ponraj has a conversation with Dr. Saras Sarasvathy, esteemed Professor of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Ethics at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. She is a leading scholar on the cognitive basis for high-performance entrepreneurship, and author of the acclaimed books, “Effectuation: Elements of Entrepreneurial Expertise” and “Effectual Entrepreneurship.” During their discussion, we hear the backstory of David’s first failed business that prompted the launch of Startup Space, to help future entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls that he faced. The concepts of Effectuation, customer voice versus customer skin, employee autonomy and mastery, and education problems versus resource constraint problems come into play during this intimate, lively conversation between two passionate change-makers who will no doubt help lead the charge to effectuate the future of entrepreneurship-led economic development.

Show host, David Ponraj, recently sat down with a group of esteemed panelists, as part of a virtual webinar series hosted by Startup Space. The panelists include economic development and entrepreneurship support organization leaders in Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts and Michigan; each lending their personal experiences in building inclusive entrepreneurial opportunities within their region. With a focus on minority-owned, women-owned and microbusinesses, in particular, the discussion touches on creative ways to increase capital access for underrepresented business owners, data-driven decision making, inclusion and diversity storytelling, and who should be at the table driving policy. Gain some inspiration from these leaders as they share their unique strategies to support their distinct communities, while they learn and draw inspiration from each other during this deep-dive conversation.

Show host, David Ponraj, recently sat down with Ian Hathaway, co-author of The Startup Community Way, and VP of Capital at Techstars, as part of a virtual webinar series hosted by Startup Space. Hathaway is an investor, author, strategic advisor, and data scientist with expertise in technology startups, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. His views on what it takes to make a successful, enduring entrepreneurial ecosystem are regularly cited in The New York Times, The Economist, and Financial Times, and he is a frequent contributor on the subject to Harvard Business Review andThe Wall Street Journal. In this conversation about the practice of entrepreneurship-led economic development, Ian outlines seven types of capital that are important to build within an ecosystem for it to be attractive and prosperous. He explains the “measurement trap” entrepreneurship developers need to avoid and the two discuss how to focus on outcomes, in addition to statistics, through storytelling. Finally, Hathaway shares his advice on how ecosystem builders can avoid burnout.

Dr. Dell Gines is a national thought leader in local economic growth, a Certified Economic Developer, and a Lead Community Development Advisor at the Omaha Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, where he focuses on communities of color and economically distressed communities. Show host, David Ponraj, recently sat down with Dr. Gines as part of a virtual discussion series centered on the practice of equitable economic development through entrepreneurship. A live audience joins in as the conversation digs deep into what makes a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem. Dr. Gines stresses that it’s more than tracking hard data to campaign for funding. The magic is in the soft data; in knowing the stories and having a deep understanding of the lived experiences of the entrepreneur that the hard data doesn’t show. When it comes to funding, he says: “Data sells it, but relationships get you in the door. You’ve got to have both.”

Leadership to Create Opportunity – In this episode, host David Ponraj interviews Garry Clark, President & CEO at Economic Alliance Snohomish County in Washington state, serving almost a million residents. Garry shares his heartfelt, spoken word “Why,” and the arduous barriers to entry, early in life, that motivated him to become a changemaker. This timely conversation about addressing the real needs of underserved communities was recorded just as the SBA announced its new Community Navigator grantees, proving that noticeable changes in systemic barriers won’t happen without action to move the needle. Garry shares that “to succeed in economic development, you must have passion for the work and a story to tell for your community, your county, and your entrepreneurs.” And Garry has a remarkable story to share.

Power of Empathy in Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystem -In this episode, host David Ponraj interviews Danielle Patterson, Director at SeedCore Foundation in Bakersfield, CA. Danielle oversees the Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship (KITE), a private-public partnership focused on entrepreneurship-led economic development. Danielle has the unique ability to see the ecosystem from the support side as well as from the entrepreneur side, having tried to navigate her local support system as a business owner. She says that, as an ecosystem builder, “Communication is key. You must understand the economic makeup of the county and listen to the partners and the founders. Listening will be your biggest tool.” Organizations must work together to support the founders, she says, ”it’s not about us, it’s about them.”

In this episode, host David Ponraj interviews Banks Benitez, co-founder and CEO of Uncharted, a social impact accelerator based in Denver, Colorado, to learn how they are addressing economic inequality in the U.S. The two discuss why Uncharted believes investing in early-stage ventures is the most strategic tool for wealth creation and empowerment and how they’ve built effective mentorship-driven programs for a portfolio of nearly 100 startups benefitting 47.5M lives and raising $254M. Later, David and Banks explore leadership, hiring, and purpose-driven team culture.

Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development– This week, host David Ponraj speaks with Jeff Bennett, president of StartupSac, an initiative he co-founded to grow the startup ecosystem in Sacramento, CA. StartupSac has evolved from a self-funded passion project into a go-to source of entrepreneurial support and an online hub for information and resources about startups in the region. David and Jeff explore the vital role of grassroots organizations like StartupSac in creating a culture of entrepreneurship in a community (and why they should be funded). They discuss models for ecosystem building, challenges around data, and ways to raise awareness about the power of entrepreneurship in economic development strategy.

This week, host David Ponraj talks to Regina Ann Campbell, President and CEO of Build Institute, an idea innovation hub based in Detroit, MI. Regina’s approach to solving the biggest barriers to entrepreneurship draws from her 20 years of experience in economic development and entrepreneurship. To date, Regina has led teams and initiatives that provided access to $21.4M+ in funding and resources for minority small business owners. The two discuss why entrepreneurial success requires programs to support the “whole entrepreneur” and depends on access to more meaningful data.

Bringing Innovation to Economic Development – In this episode, host David Ponraj talks to Tina Kapoor, Economic Development Manager for the City of Fremont, CA. The two discuss innovation in the public sector, making the most of an economic crisis, creative partnership, and inclusive ways to make starting a business easier. Over a 20-year period, Tina built a career in economic development, excelling in the creation of innovative programs in partnership with private partners to nurture businesses and entrepreneurs. She has been honored as a Top Women of Influence in Silicon Valley and has crafted unique programs to support women and immigrant-owned entrepreneurs, small businesses, and underserved communities.

How to Get Partnerships and Ecosystem Mapping Right – This week’s episode is about the value of helping people to believe entrepreneurship is for them, the challenges of effective ecosystem mapping, and what bartending has to teach us about the work of economic development. This week’s guest, Jay Sparks, serves as the Entrepreneurship Coordinator at Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) based in Columbia, Missouri. In this interview, Sparks and host David Ponraj discuss what it takes to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem with “no wrong doors.”

Why Building an Inclusive Ecosystem Requires “Getting Proximal” – Evan Fay leads the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s holistic strategy to serve entrepreneurs through creation of, and investment in, programs and infrastructure. He joins host David Ponraj to talk about pioneering the ecosystem builder role within a traditional chamber of commerce setting. Evan explains how the motto, “get proximal,” informs their work and why building a more inclusive business ecosystem means focusing not only on the diversity of the region’s entrepreneurs but on the diversity of resources and providers serving them.

Educator and Evangelist for Under-Serviced Entrepreneurs – For Darlisa Diltz, opening her own center to provide other entrepreneurs with training and access to resources was a personal challenge. Serving the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, Darlisa opened the North Texas Entrepreneur Education & Training Center in 2018 as a “no judgment” zone for people like her to start and build their businesses. In this conversation with guest host Jacqui Dietrich of Economic Impact Catalyst , Darlisa shares more about creating culturally appropriate programs and her experience as the only Black woman to lead a small business support organization in her ecosystem.

Solving the Five Barriers to Entrepreneurship – Guest host Jacqui Dietrich of EIC is joined by Allen Woods, Executive Director and Co-founder of MORTAR, a nonprofit organization founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2014. Woods describes the five predominant barriers to entrepreneurship in their community and walks through MORTAR’s neighborhood-driven approach to enabling historically marginalized entrepreneurs to access the resources needed to start and run successful businesses. The two explore MORTAR’s expansion to other cities and the support system that has made entrepreneurs in the program so successful.

Host David Ponraj sits down with David Kenney, Executive Director of VertueLab, to discuss entrepreneurial solutions at the intersection of economic recovery and climate change. They explore how the acceleration of cleantech startups can contribute to shared prosperity and additional investment in a region while addressing racial inequities in both the economy and the environment. Vertue Labs is a non-profit economic development engine funded by the State of Oregon to support cleantech startups.

Building Trusted Connections – In this episode of Breaking Down Barriers, guest host Jacqui Dietrich of EIC is joined by Sarah Siders, Executive Director of Spark (Manhattan, KS), a nonprofit organization with a vision to “connect, resource, and successfully launch entrepreneurs and promote a dynamic and inclusive culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Greater Manhattan region.” The two deep dive into how Spark is using the principles of relationship building to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem with members of the Black and LatinX community in leadership positions.

Breaking Down Barriers – Host David Ponraj is joined by Matt Wagner, Chief Program Officer at Main Street America, a network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, that share a commitment to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Wagner shares their work to promote entrepreneurial Main Streets across the country.

“Small businesses are the people in our communities.” At the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED), Amanda Kelly fosters entrepreneurship in one of the country’s most impoverished regions. She leads Be Boss Online, the innovative 26-step digital marketing curriculum she created to bring small businesses in Appalachia to a global stage. She joins host, David Ponraj, in a candid conversation on what it takes to find practical solutions that work in challenging circumstances.

Host David Ponraj is joined by Ilana Preuss. Preuss is the author of the new book Recast Your City: How to Save Your Downtown with Small-Scale Manufacturing (Island Press , 202 1). She explains how local leaders can revitalize their downtowns by supporting small-scale manufacturing, thereby providing local business ownership opportunities and well-paying jobs.

This week David Ponraj talks to Craig MacMullin, President & CEO of CEED, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development in Nova Scotia. The two dig into the 25-year evolution of CEED in shaping the entrepreneurial culture for Atlantic Canada. They explore the journey of today’s entrepreneur and role that CEED has played in increasing the number of entrepreneurs operating in Nova Scotia through the development of innovative programs and collaboration with partners across the ecosystem.

This week, Startup Space founder, David Ponraj, is joined by Joe Kapp, President and cofounder of the National Center for Resource Development (NCRD), a national nonprofit that helps foundations, nonprofits, higher education institutions and others achieve greater impact by developing resources to more effectively execute their missions. The two discuss how entrepreneurship can become more accessible for underserved and underrepresented founders, and they explore the impact of RuralRISE, a network for rural ecosystem builders Kapp cofounded, and National Entrepreneurship Week (NatlESHIPWeek), a non-partisan initiative Kapp co-chairs.

Join in as Startup Space founder, David Ponraj, catches up with Dr. Sridhar Sundaram at the University of South Florida. Sundaram gives insight into the programs and partnerships that have come to bridge the institution and the surrounding St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay community, which is now Florida’s fastest growing tech hub and the 8th fastest growing city in America. He explains how ecosystem builders are working in this burgeoning community to find common ground and new opportunity.

Startup Space founder David Ponraj is joined by Todd Connor, founder of Bunker Labs, a national organization with chapters in 30 states which helps entrepreneurs with military backgrounds start their own business. Connor is the author of the new book, Third Shift Entrepreneur. He shares his insights what it takes to derisk and foster “entrepreneurship for the rest of us.”

Join us as we discuss ecosystem building and breaking down barriers with Jessica Erickson, President and CEO of the Longmont Economic Development Partnership, and get insights into the partnership’s approach to building an economic ecosystem that champions businesses and their owners. Longmont, Colorado, is a community of 98,000 on the edge of metro Denver and was named the #1 boomtown in the U.S. by smartasset.com.

Join us as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Anika Horn, founder of Social Venturers, a space that provides ecosystem builders with the insights, resources and peer community to build purpose-driven careers and lead sustainable lifestyles.

Join us as we discuss ecosystem builders and EIC breaking down barriers with Troy Vosseller, Co-Founder of gener8tor. gener8tor operates more than 45 accelerators annually across North America, working with more than 200 startups per year.

Join us as we discuss ecosystem builders and EIC breaking down barriers with Martha Bentley, Director of Economic Development Coordination at the State of Maine’s Department of Economic And Community Development.

Join us as we discuss ecosystem builders and EIC breaking down barriers with Doug Erwin, Senior Vice President of Entrepreneurial Development at EDAWN, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada.

Join us for our season two premiere as we discuss ecosystem builders and EIC breaking down barriers with Pamela Lewis, Executive Director of New Economy Initiative, a philanthropy-led entrepreneurial development strategy working to build an inclusive network of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses in southeast Michigan.

For our season finale, hear from the Startup Space team on why they’re passionate about entrepreneurship and discuss their experiences with breaking down barriers.To learn more, visit: economicimpactcatalyst.com

Join us for our sixteenth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Meg Steuer, Manager of Forge North, an entrepreneurship initiative of the Greater MSP Partnership.

Join us for our fifteenth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Ken Evans, Managing Director of the Tech Accelerator Program at Tampa Bay Innovation Center.

Join us for our thirteenth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Y. Elaine Rasmussen, Founder and CEO of Social Impact Strategies Group (SISG).

Join us for our twelfth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with John Wensveen, Chief Innovation Officer at Nova Southeastern University and Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation.

Join us for our twelfth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Courtney Zaugg, Founder and CEO of Plaka + Associates.

Join us for our eleventh episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Josh Mejia, Executive Director at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC).

Join us for our ninth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Dia Ghosh, an Entrepreneurship Specialist at the Ada Jobs Foundation

Join us for our eighth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Andy Gold and Beth Kerly, co-creators of Operation Startup at Hillsborough Community College.

Join us for our seventh episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Sammy Ortiz, the Founder of Young Entrepreneur Students (YES).

Join us for our sixth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Victor Hwang, Founder and CEO of Right To Start.To learn more about Victor and his work visit: https://www.righttostart.org/You can find Victor’s “We Are All Starters” manifesto here: https://www.righttostart.org/downloadTo find out more about The Rainforest Book, visit: https://therainforestbook.com/

Join us for our fifth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Kalen Acquisto, Manager of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Commons on Champa, powered by the Downtown Denver Partnership.To learn more about Kalen and her work contact her at kalen@thecommons.co or visit https://www.thecommons.co/.

Join us for our fourth episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Felecia Hatcher, a top Speaker on Innovation & Personal Transformation, Inclusive Innovation Ecosystem Builder, Author and White House Honoree.To learn more about Felecia and her work, please visit https://www.feleciahatcher.com/The book referenced in the podcast is The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks

Join us for our third episode as we discuss Breaking Down Barriers with James Feagin, Chief Strategist at Project and People. You can find out more about James at https://projects-people.com/our-team

Join us for our second episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Dell Gines, Senior Community Development Advisor – Omaha Branch at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas CitySpecial thanks to Dell for being our second guest! To learn more about Dell and his work visit https://www.kansascityfed.org/community/smallbusiness.

Join us for our inaugural episode as we discuss ecosystem builders and breaking down barriers with Jacqui Dietrich, Director of Partnerships at Established.Special thanks to Jacqui for being our first guest! To learn more about Jacqui and her work contact her at jacqui@est.us or visit established.us. You can also connect with her via LinkedIn. Here is the link to https://www.startupofyear.com/