Dan Mathers discusses the role of venture support organizations in helping startups through different stages of growth. He outlines six key stages of startup development and explains how having experienced entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIRs) can provide guidance to startups as their needs change. EIRs draw on their expertise and networks to help startups access education, funding, mentoring, and other resources needed to build strong businesses. The goal is to help entrepreneurs avoid mistakes by learning from the experiences of EIRs.