Next month, Start Us Up will celebrate its first anniversary — marking a year of curveballs and hurdles, but also of growth and success. In just twelve months, we’ve seen our coalition grow to more than 190, spanning the country and representing entrepreneurs of all backgrounds.
Through these challenging times, these 190-plus organizations have stepped up as leaders in the community, setting the example for policymakers to follow.
In this week’s coalition roundup, we’re excited to share several examples of this important and inspiring leadership.
KC must crank up early-stage funding — or risk missing out
Jeff Shackelford, CEO of the Enterprise Center in Johnson County, penned a column in the Kansas City Business Journal discussing the need for prioritized investment in early-stage entrepreneurs and companies. Shackelford provides three recommendations to increase these investments, including proof-of-concept and nonprofit seed funds, as well as coordinated multi-state action.
Rural Roundup: Opportunities and Challenges in the Age of COVID
RuralRise interviewed ecosystem builders and entrepreneurial leaders to get their advice on how communities can thrive through the pandemic. Enoch Elwell, founder of CO.STARTERS, shared his organization’s five-step recovery framework, while Nathan Ohle, CEO at Rural Community Assistance Partnership, discussed the work of CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) to fund and serve rural entrepreneurs.
Right to Start: Field Guide for Policymakers
Right to Start, a campaign to rebuild the American economy by unleashing entrepreneurial opportunity for everyone, released its field guide for policymakers this week, with action items for federal, state, and local lawmakers, as well as directions for advocates to engage their elected officials.
A Conversation With Jen Earle, National CEO Of The National Association Of Women Business Owners
Public Private Strategies’ Rhett Buttle spoke with NAWBO CEO Jen Earle about the impact of COVID-19 on women-owned businesses and how lawmakers can support them. In the interview, Earle cited the “four C’s’ needed for women-owned business resilience, including capital, community, confidence, and Capitols.