What happens when entrepreneur support gets local but forgets scale?

In this week’s episode, Eric Parker talks with Moonshot CEO Scott Hathcock about why traditional incubator models break in small markets, how networked systems make local support survivable, and what “Five Seats” reveals about scaling founder support without losing community context.

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In this Ideas Worth Championing talk, recorded live at the Startup Champions Network Fall Summit, Lexie Irvine, Ecosystem Builder at theClubhou.se, uses three Taylor Swift songs to explain the core work of ecosystem builders.

Through “Opalite,” “Change,” and “Shake It Off,” Lexie explores:

• why ecosystem building is about reflecting the light of others

• how real change happens in systems piece by piece

• why protecting your peace is essential to long-term impact

• how imposter syndrome shows up early in your career

• and how emerging voices strengthen entrepreneurship communities

This talk is for anyone who supports founders, works in entrepreneurship or economic development, or is exploring ecosystem building as a career. It blends music, mindset, and lived experience into a practical framework for understanding the work.

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During our recent tour of Denver and Boulder, we had the privilege of sitting down with Wendy Lea—one of America’s foremost leaders in building innovation communities. As Co-Founder & Chair of Energize Colorado, Co-Founder & Partner of TechHubNow!, a Board Member at Elevate Quantum, and a member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE), she is a driving force for collaboration and impact.

In this conversation, we explore the similarities and differences between small business support and high-growth startup acceleration, the role of investment communities, the EDA Tech Hubs initiative, and the critical importance of fostering meaningful small-group interactions.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or ecosystem builder, this episode is packed with insights and real-world examples you won’t want to miss.

This episode brings us to the heart of Baltimore's Bromo Arts District. We’re visiting to learn first hand about how new models of grassroots entrepreneur support and ecosystem building are directly impacting communities. What did we discover? Highlights: - How a chance meeting with Paolo Gregory sparked Dwight’s journey with Cohado. - The story behind Cajou’s rise from a local shop to Whole Foods stores. - Why community-driven problem-solving is key to sustainable business growth. Join us as we explore the power of community in shaping Baltimore’s entrepreneurial future. We’re visiting 24 startup communities to share their stories and lessons for ecosystem builders across the country. Let’s work together to support thriving ecosystems! Invite us to your city! We’re visiting 24 startup communities to share their stories and the lessons they offer for ecosystem builders across the nation. Let’s build thriving ecosystems together. SIGN UP HERE: ⁠https://cofounderos.com/apply/Axrl/Ma...⁠ Thank you for supporting our mission to empower entrepreneurs and transform startup ecosystems nationwide. ❤️ #entrepreneurship #ecosystembuilding #startupecosystem #communityempowerment #baltimore

In this first of two episodes on Baltimore's ecosystem, we sit down with Paulo Gregory, founder of Cohado and ecosystem builder spearheading the Black Butterfly Network in Baltimore. We explore how he is transforming the city's entrepreneurial landscape by focusing on collaboration and community-building.

Highlights: - Why collaboration, not competition, is the key to sustainable business growth. - The unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in Baltimore and how they’re overcoming them. - How flexible funding models can support small businesses without crushing debt. Join us as we explore how Paulo’s approach is reshaping entrepreneurship and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Let’s work together to build a more inclusive future for startups! Invite us to your city! We’re visiting 24 startup communities to share their stories and the lessons they offer for ecosystem builders across the nation. Let’s build thriving ecosystems together. SIGN UP HERE: ⁠https://cofounderos.com/apply/Axrl/Ma...⁠ Thank you for supporting our mission to empower entrepreneurs and transform startup ecosystems nationwide. ❤️ #entrepreneurship #ecosystembuilding #startupecosystem #communityempowerment #baltimore

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Lawrence, managing partner of Incubate, to explore how he’s reshaping entrepreneurial ecosystems through community-driven economic empowerment. From building innovation hubs at local community colleges to creating spaces where minority entrepreneurs can thrive, Mark shares insights on how to foster broad-based entrepreneurship that impacts underserved communities.

Highlights:

• Insights into the difference between entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.
• The role of real estate development in supporting entrepreneurs.
• How anchor institutions and local communities can collaborate to drive growth.

Join us to learn how these strategies are making a real impact in places often overlooked by traditional economic development.

Invite us to your city! Our goal is to visit 24 startup communities, sharing their unique stories and the lessons they offer for ecosystem builders nationwide. Let’s shape a more inclusive future for entrepreneurship together.

SIGN UP HERE: ⁠https://cofounderos.com/apply/Axrl/Ma...⁠

Thank you for supporting our mission to empower entrepreneurs and transform startup ecosystems across the country. ❤️

#entrepreneurship #ecosystembuilding #startupecosystem #communitydevelopment

Discover the impact of the NSF Engines Program on regional growth! Grace and Eric had the privilege of sitting down with Thyaga Nandagopal, Division Director for the Division of Innovation and Technology Ecosystems (ITE) at the National Science Foundation, to talk about this new initiative that your organization should be considering. In this interview, we find out answers to all the big questions: - What is the state of the American Innovation Ecosystem? - What is the goal of the NSF Engines program? - What types of organizations should consider applying? - What is the NSF looking for in successful applications? - How is the NSF measuring success? (hint: the goal is unlocking over $1Bn in your region) - How can smaller regions be competitive? Don’t miss the chance to change the game for your region, and let us know how we can help. Would you like us to add your city to the tour? Sign up here and tell us your story: ⁠https://cofounderos.com/apply/Axrl/Ma... #startups #startupecosystem #innovation #ESO #regionalinnovation

Do you want to know how the Small Business Administration (SBA) is powering startups?

In our latest stop in D.C., we spoke with Brittney Sickler, Director of Ecosystem Development at the SBA. Discover how everything from microloans to major federal funding is driving entrepreneurial success across the nation. Get the inside scoop on innovative funding models and the passionate people behind them.

Be sure to like and subscribe so you can follow our journey across America!

Would you like us to add your city to the tour? Sign up here and tell us your story: ⁠https://cofounderos.com/apply/Axrl/Ma...⁠

If you’d like us to help you Make Startups in your community, visit our website at MakeStartups.org