How to Set Up an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in an Underserved Community

Image from Unsplash by Jason Goodman

There are several key components to consider when launching a program in a community that is not accustomed to entrepreneurship as a pathway.

In some cases, access to technology is limited. Consider and discuss these steps:

1. Do a Culture Shift. This usually happens through our Exploring Entrepreneurship program, in which people learn how to convert an idea into a startup business. We reviewed six major international programs, learned from them, and created one simple boot-cam type program. Sessions are 3–5 hours each, scheduled over 3–5 days.
2. Within those sessions, define what entrepreneurship really is, what it takes to start a business, how to identify the ideal customer, how to finance to make money, and of course, logistically, what you need to do to make it happen.
3. It is critical to have a local resource or partner. It’s difficult to make anything happen without one. Your local partner should be somewhat embedded in the existing ecosystem — or at least respected — and can reach the locals within the community.
4. Invite at least two local entrepreneurs who are accomplished enough that people want to learn more about them. Not the biggest, most successful entrepreneur — you want someone with whom the aspiring entrepreneurs…