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Why You Might Be Getting Stakeholder Engagement Wrong—And What To Do Instead

Every ecosystem builder wants to engage their stakeholders. Here's how to do it effecitvely.

by

Rebekah Marr

A graphic image depicting a heart made of jigsaw puzzle pieces, seven of which have icons representing different stakeholders

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Ernie Flores, the founder of Flores Bakehaus

Starter Stories

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Ernie Flores // Flores Bakehaus

CO.STARTERS programs and community support helped Ernie Flores open Flores Bakehaus, a business that celebrates her heritage, family, and her first love—baking.

by

Henri Lowe

Six African entrepreneurs sitting at desks with workbooks on their laps.

Success Stories

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CO.STARTERS Partner Sinapis Supports 90 Entrepreneurs in Liberia

How CO.STARTERS international partner Sinapis is making an impact in West Africa

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Henri Lowe

A graphic rendering of the Blount County, Tennessee street grid

Community Stories

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Entrepreneur-Led Economic Development in Blount County, Tennessee

Entrepreneurs are leading the charge to support small business at Sky City Entrepreneur Center.

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Henri Lowe

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The canvas is the framework used in all of our programs. This intuitive visual map helps founders understand, test, and refine their ideas.

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Jonnay Wenger, the founder of Lil Cub Den

Starter Stories

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Jonnay Wenger // Lil Cub Den

Jonnay Wenger, an entrepreneur and mother, learned the importance of community support when she decided to open an indoor playspace in her new town.

by

Henri Lowe

Jessica Cammack, the founder of The Mack Master Professional Organizing

Starter Stories

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Jessica Cammack // The Mack Master Professional Organizing

Professional organizer Jessica Cammack, also known as the Mack Master, is combating clutter—both physical and mental—for her clients.

by

Henri Lowe

A graphic rendering of the Knoxville, Tennessee street grid

Community Stories

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A Two-Way Bridge: How Centro Hispano de East Tennessee Is Closing Cultural and Language Gaps

Centro Hispano de East Tennessee is bridging the gaps facing the Hispanic community in the Knoxville area.

by

Henri Lowe

A photo of a CO.STARTERS cohort meeting

Ecosystems + Economies

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Four Essentials of a Successful Entrepreneurship Program

Do your organization's programs have all four?

by

David Kraus

Kelsey and Jody Vasileff, the owners of Southern Squeeze

Starter Stories

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Kelsey Vasileff // Southern Squeeze

Chattanooga native and yoga teacher Kelsey Vasileff wanted to share her passion for high-quality, nutrient-packed foods and cold-pressed juices with the rest of her city.

by

Henri Lowe

Silje Christoffersen, owner of Steep Creek Studio

Starter Stories

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Silje Christoffersen // Steep Creek Studio

When Silje Christoffersen moved back to her small, rural hometown of Enterprise, Oregon, she knew she wanted to pour into her community through her passion for design.

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Henri Lowe

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A graphic image depicting a heart made of jigsaw puzzle pieces, seven of which have icons representing different stakeholders

Ecosystems + Economies

Why You Might Be Getting Stakeholder Engagement Wrong—And What To Do Instead

Every ecosystem builder wants to engage their stakeholders. Here's how to do it effecitvely.

Six African entrepreneurs sitting at desks with workbooks on their laps.

Success Stories

CO.STARTERS Partner Sinapis Supports 90 Entrepreneurs in Liberia

How CO.STARTERS international partner Sinapis is making an impact in West Africa

A graphic rendering of the Blount County, Tennessee street grid

Community Stories

Entrepreneur-Led Economic Development in Blount County, Tennessee

Entrepreneurs are leading the charge to support small business at Sky City Entrepreneur Center.

Angie Parham, the founder of SteeleDivine Cosmetics

Starter Stories

Angie Parham // SteeleDivine Cosmetics

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, entrepreneur Angie Parham harnessed her creativity to pivot her hair and cosmetics skills into a new business, SteeleDivine Cosmetics.

Jonnay Wenger, the founder of Lil Cub Den

Starter Stories

Jonnay Wenger // Lil Cub Den

Jonnay Wenger, an entrepreneur and mother, learned the importance of community support when she decided to open an indoor playspace in her new town.

University students on campus

Ecosystems + Economies

Building Effective University Incubators: A Conversation with Dr. Steven McClung

We interviewed Dr. Steven McClung, who’s worked in the intersection of academia and business development for more than twenty years, about his experience starting entrepreneurship programs at two different universities.

Jessica Cammack, the founder of The Mack Master Professional Organizing

Starter Stories

Jessica Cammack // The Mack Master Professional Organizing

Professional organizer Jessica Cammack, also known as the Mack Master, is combating clutter—both physical and mental—for her clients.

A graphic rendering of the Knoxville, Tennessee street grid

Community Stories

A Two-Way Bridge: How Centro Hispano de East Tennessee Is Closing Cultural and Language Gaps

Centro Hispano de East Tennessee is bridging the gaps facing the Hispanic community in the Knoxville area.

A photo of a CO.STARTERS cohort meeting

Ecosystems + Economies

Four Essentials of a Successful Entrepreneurship Program

Do your organization's programs have all four?

Kelsey and Jody Vasileff, the owners of Southern Squeeze

Starter Stories

Kelsey Vasileff // Southern Squeeze

Chattanooga native and yoga teacher Kelsey Vasileff wanted to share her passion for high-quality, nutrient-packed foods and cold-pressed juices with the rest of her city.

Silje Christoffersen, owner of Steep Creek Studio

Starter Stories

Silje Christoffersen // Steep Creek Studio

When Silje Christoffersen moved back to her small, rural hometown of Enterprise, Oregon, she knew she wanted to pour into her community through her passion for design.

A graphic rendering of the Tampa Bay, Florida street grid

Community Stories

How a Tech Accelerator Is Reimagining Its Role by Investing in Artists

What happens when a tech business accelerator decides to invest in its community’s artists? Everyone flourishes–the tech professionals, the artists, and the wider entrepreneurial community.

Dionna Brenamen, owner of Java's Enchanted Bean

Starter Stories

Dionna Brenamen // Java's Enchanted Bean

After 30 years of working in finance, Dionna Brenamen shifted gears and opened a coffee and tea cafe that has grown into an inclusive community hub in Fostoria, Ohio.

A graphical image of an ecosystem builder

Starter Support | Ecosystems + Economies

Why Entrepreneurs Are So Lonely—and How Rethinking Entrepreneurship Can Help

To reduce the mental health struggles associated with entrepreneurship, we have to reimagine our narratives.

A graphic rendering of the Fostoria, Ohio street grid

Community Stories

How a Chamber of Commerce Is Fostering Innovation in Ohio

Charged with growing the local economy, the Fostoria Chamber of Commerce realized that the best way to revitalize their vacant downtown was to invest in local entrepreneurship.

A photo of an entrepreneur meeting with a banker

Ecosystems + Economies | Starter Support

How Your Organization Can Access SSBCI Funds to Support Entrepreneurs

Your state is receiving money from this federal funding source. Here's how to get involved.

A graphic rendering of the Corvallis, Oregon street grid

Community Stories

How Reinventing Rural Is Establishing Ecosystems in Unlikely Places

With the help of statewide partners and CO.STARTERS programs, Reinventing Rural is proving that entrepreneurial communities can thrive even in the smallest, most rural towns.

A graphical image of an ecosystem builder

Ecosystems + Economies

What Is An Entrepreneurial Ecosystem?

Everyone is talking about entrepreneurial ecosystems these days. But what does the term actually mean?

A graphic rendering of the Bradford, Vermont street grid

Community Stories

How a Vermont Coworking Space is Building Community for Rural Entrepreneurs

By positioning itself as a shared space for the whole community, The Space on Main has created a pathway for anyone to start something new.

Amber Leibee, owner of Adventure Art

Starter Stories

Amber Leibee // Adventure Art

With the help of CO.STARTERS, Amber Leibee turned her passion for art into a thriving art supply store in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Juliandra Jones, the creative behind PBJ Customs

Starter Stories

Celebrating Black Entrepreneurship in the CO.STARTERS Community

For Black History Month, we're highlighting five amazing Black entrepreneurs from our CO.STARTERS family.

A graphic rendering of the Sioux Falls, South Dakota street grid

Community Stories

How Startup Sioux Falls Leveraged a $1 Million Grant to Expand their Reach

With the help of CO.STARTERS programs and local partnerships, Startup Sioux Falls is changing South Dakota's entrepreneurial landscape for the better.

Graphical rendering of an entrepreneurial ecosystem

Ecosystems + Economies

How to Build an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem is hard work. Here’s our step-by-step guide to growing your community, based on over a decade of experience.

CO.STARTERS Names Rebekah Marr as Chief Product Officer

This change marks the company's renewed focus on innovation and product development.

Community Stories

How Rural Arkansas is Making a Haven for Artists On Main Street

Artists are rarely the center of economic development strategy. Eureka Springs is proving why that's a mistake.

A photo of an entrepreneur meeting with a banker

Ecosystems + Economies

CRA Funds: The Overlooked Funding Source Every ESO Should Know About

This money could be a stable and bountiful funding source for your organization—if you know how to unlock it.

Beth Wilson, founder of Wilson PR

Starter Stories

Beth Wilson // Wilson PR

"Getting involved with a unique and insightful group of entrepreneurs provided me with a true community."

American Main Street

Ecosystems + Economies

Why Main Street Businesses Fail—and How to Save Them

Everyone loves to see new businesses on Main Street. Here's how to make sure they stay.

The CO.STARTERS Business Model Canvas

Starter Support

How to Use a Business Model Canvas to Help Entrepreneurs

A business model canvas is the ultimate tool for helping entrepreneurs get unstuck and move forward. Here's how to use it well.

Starter Stories

Morgan Sharpe // Creekside Flower Farm

Morgan meets her customers' innate appetite for beauty with gorgeous, locally grown, long-lasting flowers.

Starter Stories

Jay Pitts // ClinCept

By prioritizing the inclusion of marginalized people into his clinical studies, Jay seeks to repair the damage wrought by an unjust healthcare system.

Starter Support

Business Principle #10: Celebrate the small things.

Business can always be better, but it’s important to celebrate even the small things.

Community Stories

How StartUP Columbus is Bringing Economic Revival to a Historic City

How an entrepreneur-first mentality is bringing renewal to a small city in south Georgia

Photo of a CO.STARTERS cohort meeting

Ecosystems + Economies

Will CO.STARTERS Ever Be An Online Course?

To transform communities, you need a community-first approach.

Corri Poore, founder of Little Tykes University

Starter Stories

Corri Poore // Little Tykes University

“CO.STARTERS taught me that you have to communicate the benefits and advantages of your business to your customer, not just the product or service itself.”

Starter Support

Business Principle #9: Plan for success.

Large to-do lists are overwhelming, but a few simple tactics can lighten the load and get you further faster.

Photo of a young employee with her boss.

Ecosystems + Economies

Why More Small Businesses Should Hire Summer Interns

Internships not only serve the employer and the employed, but they're also great for building local community.

Grace Underfanger, founder of Crimson Fox Design Co.

Starter Stories

Grace Underfanger // Crimson Fox Design Co.

"Lots of people see competition when they look at the business scene, but at the end of the day, we’re all making this place better together."

Starter Support

Business Principle #8: Get the funds you need.

When it comes to funding your business, these four questions will put you on the right path.

Ecosystems + Economies

Tips for Filling Your Programs, Cohorts, and Events

Some simple tactics to boost event attendance and build a pipeline to your entrepreneurship programs.

Community Stories

How Corner to Corner Reaches 200+ New Entrepreneurs Every Year

Many in Nashville do not make enough to meet the growing cost of living. Corner to Corner turned to CO.STARTERS to bring grassroots entrepreneurship to the surrounding neighborhood.

Nate Boscaljon, founder of Boscaljon Design Co.

Starter Stories

Nate Boscaljon // Boscaljon Design Co.

"CO.STARTERS really helped me to vet my idea and be confident in my decision to go full-time."

Community Stories

How New Mexico is Changing the Game for Rural Entrepreneurs

In a search for economic stability, the rural southwest region of New Mexico is looking to grassroots entrepreneurship as a solution.

Starter Support

Business Principle #7: Understand your costs.

Business financials can be intimidating, but five basic concepts are all you need to get started.

Ecosystems + Economies

Five Ways Entrepreneurs Can Make Their Own Luck

Some might say that successful entrepreneurs are just the ones who get lucky, but the truth is more complex.

Starter Stories

Kryshonna Michelle Wilson // URZ Professional

"Most people don't realize that beauty is a business. CO.STARTERS gave me a plan and helped me get myself together as a business."

CO.STARTERS Announces Jose Alfaro as CEO

With tremendous growth comes exciting change.

Starter Support

Business Principle #6: Invest in legal and accounting advice.

When it comes to legal and accounting, the "do-it-yourself" approach can hurt your business.

Ecosystems + Economies

How to Support Black Entrepreneurship in Your Community

We gathered three lessons from our partners who are excelling in this area of community building.

Ecosystems + Economies

Four Ways to Love Your Community This Year

Like all relationships, loving our communities takes work and practice. So we identified four ways to love your community this Valentine's Day—and the other 364 days of the year.

Photo: Cole Hawthorne with her diverse collection of heirloom dolls

Starter Stories

Cole Hawthorne // Jayla's Heirlooms

"You don't have to do it alone. Entrepreneurship is hard, but there is a community if you look for it."

Starter Support

Business Principle #5: Know your value.

Value and price may seem synonymous, but value is about much more than a price tag.

Ecosystems + Economies

Five Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Martin Luther King Jr.

Though he never owned a business, Martin Luther King Jr. was one of America's greatest entrepreneurs.

Ecosystems + Economies

A Conversation with Andy Stoll, Senior Program Officer at the Kauffman Foundation

We sat down with Andy Stoll, Senior Program Officer at the Kauffman Foundation, and talked about the concrete steps communities can take to cultivate healthy local environments for entrepreneurs of all types.

Starter Support

Business Principle #4: Build relationships through marketing.

Marketing can feel overwhelming, but a simple shift in perspective—thinking of it as building a relationship with your customers—can help you move forward more confidently.

Ecosystems + Economies

A Conversation with Ilana Preuss, Founder and CEO of Recast City

We sat down with Ilana Preuss, founder and CEO of Recast City, and talked about what communities can do to create amazing, economically powerful places.

Starter Support

Business Principle #3: Start small.

You've got a big dream for your business. How can you start small and grow smartly?

Ecosystems + Economies

A Conversation with Brittany Sickler, Senior Innovation Policy Advisor at the SBA

We sat down with Brittany Sickler, Senior Innovation Policy Advisor at the SBA, and talked about innovation, small business, and the importance of community support.

Starter Support

Business Principle #2: Discover what your customer really wants.

There’s another person who’s absolutely essential to your business—your customer! But how well do you know them and what they need?

Starter Support

Business Principle #1: It starts with you.

There’s one person who’s absolutely essential to your business—you! But many entrepreneurs don’t stop to think about why they’ve started or what they really want from their business.

Ecosystems + Economies

The New Economy Needs Small Business in the Driver's Seat

The future is bright—if we make some key changes.

Community Stories

The Key to Chattanooga’s Renaissance is Small Business Development

Cities looking to Chattanooga as a model should begin with the overlooked foundation of its success.

Starter Stories

Starter Story: Sanaa Abourezk // Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean

“My restaurant is for anyone looking for something local and different."

Community Stories

Sioux Falls Coworking Space Rebounds As Entrepreneurship Hub

The pandemic destabilized the coworking industry. This Sioux Falls coworking space maintained relevance by expanding their reach and diversifying their offerings.

Starter Support | News

National Core Cohort | June 23 - August 25, 2021

Join the program trusted by more than 15,000+ entrepreneurs—no matter where you live.

Starter Stories

Starter Story: Dan Cox // Cox Telecom

“It’s so satisfying to be able to finally put my skills to work for myself in my own business.”

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

The Relationships Keeping West Virginia Thriving: WV Hive’s Success in Securing Investment

As an increasing number of youth leave West Virginia for opportunities elsewhere, WV Hive’s relationships with local stakeholders provide investment to ensure local talent stays.

Starter Stories

Starter Story: Shayla Sadler // Empowered for Purpose

“When most people feel stuck, they look for external solutions. But I help them look inward, because your happiness can only come from inside.”

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Village Launch Builds Resilience Among Under-Resourced Entrepreneurs

As the City of Greenville, South Carolina experiences unprecedented growth, Village Launch ensures its more vulnerable populations aren't left behind. The city of Greenville is changing.

Ecosystems + Economies

Are You Ready for the Next Entrepreneurship Surge?

We’re about to see a major boom in entrepreneurship.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies | Network

Reaching Memphis’ Entrepreneurs: Epicenter Ensures Access for All

For many entrepreneurship hubs and economic development organizations, it can be surprisingly challenging to connect with the people they’re trying to help.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Reinventing Economic Development: Creatives As Entrepreneurs

Seven years ago, leaders of an arts organization in Birmingham, Alabama saw a serious opportunity to impact their local economy—but it meant reinventing themselves.

Ecosystems + Economies

Celebrating the Black Entrepreneurs You've Heard Of—and Recognizing the Ones You Haven't

Black entrepreneurship has a rich tradition, but not without its challenges.

Ecosystems + Economies

Shop Small, Strengthen Your Community

The best way to support your small business community this season is to be a customer.

Starter Stories

Black Dreams Matter, Every Day

Meet nine Black business starters who are paving the way for dreams.

Road to Recovery

Ecosystems + Economies | News

CO.STARTERS Launches New Initiative Focused on Small Business Recovery

A five-step Road to Recovery framework to help entrepreneurs adapt now and for the future

Starter Support

What Most Marketing Advice Doesn’t Tell You

CO.STARTERS is a Small Business Too: Part IV — Learn the next step for business survival in this fourth article in a series on how we're adapting our own small business.

Starter Support

The Key to Finding Solutions is Making Mistakes

CO.STARTERS is a Small Business Too: Part III — Learn the next step for business survival in this third article in a series on how we're adapting our own small business.

Starter Support

I’m Ready to Get Creative With My Business. Now Where Do I Start?

Design thinking is just a fancy term for problem solving—but how exactly do you do it? A chief creative breaks down the basics of design thinking for entrepreneurs.

Starter Support

Don't Shoot for Creativity Until You Complete This Important Step

CO.STARTERS is a Small Business Too: Part II — Discover the most essential thing to do as an entrepreneur before you can creatively solve your business problems.

Starter Support

What We're Doing as a Small Business to Survive the Pandemic

CO.STARTERS is a Small Business Too: Part I — Hear firsthand from our COO about what we’re doing right now (and you can too) as a small business to survive the pandemic.

Starter Support

Marketing as a Human Being to Human Beings

Marketing expert Jacqui Jones shares tips on how to market authentically during a crisis.

Starter Support

Moving Your Small Business Online

Dane Johnson from The Nice Center gives practical tips for what small business owners need to do (and what they don't) to start selling and marketing online.

||The CO.STARTERS Canvas

Starter Support

This Simple Tool Could Save Your Business

While the CO.STARTERS Canvas is most often used for people who want to turn an idea into a business, we believe this simple tool can help any business owner who is stuck and guide you through this time of uncertainty.

News | Partners

CO.STARTERS Partnering With Ecosystem Builder Hub

CO.STARTERS announces a partnership with Ecosystem Builder Hub, an online clearinghouse for content about entrepreneurial ecosystem building.

Ecosystems + Economies | News

Finding POSSIBLE: The CO.STARTERS 2019 Impact Story

Ecosystems + Economies | News

Growing a Living Community

CO.STARTERS Summit Highlights Deepened Support for Entrepreneurial Leaders

Community Growth Resource

Ecosystems + Economies | Resource | Starter Support

Navigating the Stages of Community Growth

A Model for Starting and Sustaining an Entrepreneurial Community

Ecosystems + Economies | Starter Support

It Takes a Village to Build an Ecosystem

There are many roles needed for ecosystem building. Let's explore a few of them.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Wheeling, West Virginia Made their Main Street Relevant with Entrepreneurship. Learn how Your Community can do the Same.

Read on to learn how Wheeling Heritage leveraged entrepreneurship to create more than 2,000 new jobs and reduce their building vacancy rate by half.

A Main Street intersection at sunset.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

The Businesses We Can Save

COVID-19 has wrecked many small businesses. Here are some that our partners were able to save.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

From Florida to Colorado: Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Success Stories

Stories from organizations in Colorado and Florida that are reinventing economic development, creating jobs, building businesses, and making a difference—all while winning awards along the way.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Focusing on Entrepreneurship Leads to New Businesses and Jobs in Eastern Kentucky

Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) is helping the region rethink its approach to economic development by empowering, training, and supporting local entrepreneurs.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Clearing a Path Toward Equity Through Entrepreneurship

How Forward Cities worked with CO.STARTERS to help community builders at The Corner in New Kensington, PA provide more equitable entrepreneurship opportunities for local residents.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Serving the Underserved: The Commons on Champa // Denver, Colorado

From providing a tech hub to those without access to technology, to workshops designed to engage female entrepreneurs, to offering our very own CO.STARTERS Core program to the city, The Commons on Champa truly embodies the CO.STARTERS mission.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Addressing the Gaps: Auckland University of Technology // Auckland, New Zealand

Sabrina Nagel and the entrepreneurship team team at Auckland University of Technology are proving the value of CO.STARTERS for everyone—especially college students. Check out the work they’re doing.

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Fighting for our Soldiers: Action Zone // Tampa, Florida

It can be extremely difficult for Veterans to find the support they need upon re-entering civilian life. Our friends at Action Zone are doing the incredible work of supplying the proper support and tools to this often overlooked demographic.

Street map of downtown Springfield, Illinois

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Innovation as Equity: Innovate Springfield // Springfield, Illinois

“CO.STARTERS has been great for us to meet our community where it is.” -Sarah Beth Ayers, Business Incubation Program Coordinator at Innovate Springfield

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Challenging Underestimation Through Teenpreneurship: Y.E.S. // Dade City, Florida

“CO.STARTERS Generator was the only option left standing, given my needs for accessibility. The modular nature of Generator was especially appealing, and the bright, colorful layout of the binder was a bonus too.”

Community Stories | Ecosystems + Economies

Restoration through Preservation: Wheeling Heritage // Wheeling, West Virginia

"This past decade, a renaissance of creativity, adventure, and local pride has taken hold of Wheeling."