1. The Entrepreneurial
Ecosystem
Part 1:
Dr. Michael R. Burcham
Defining an
e. michael@michaelburcham.com
Entrepreneurial w. www.michaelburcham.com
t. www.twitter.com/michaelrburcham
Community f. www.facebook.com/michael.r.burcham
l. www.linkedin/in/michaelburcham

2. ?
What is an Entrepreneurial
Ecosystem?

3. We are building our
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:
TheIndividuals, Organizations and Institutions–
outside the individual entrepreneur - that are
conducive to the choice of a person to become an
entrepreneur, or the probabilities of his or her
success.

4. Think of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem as providing
fertile soil and a climate in which to seed, nurture and
grow new businesses.
The enablers…
• Venture Creators
• Advisors & Mentors
• Universities
• Support Organizations
• Labor Markets
• Investors
Are more effective when they are networked to encourage
intellectual, financial and human capital to flow to enterprises at every
phase of the startup journey.

5. We are creating the
Front Door
of entrepreneurial opportunity.
Offering access to
expertise, supportand
capitalto launch new
businesses.

6. 3 Simple Truths… What Do Startup
Entrepreneurs Need?

7. 3 Simple Truths
1. Entrepreneurs Really Need:
Access!
– To expertise via credible, capable, engaged mentors
– To an expanded knowledge network
– To seed capital
– To a supportive community / environment

8. 3 Simple Truths
2. Efficient networks depend on consistent
processes:
– Coaching & Mentoring for 1st-time entrepreneurs
– Evaluate idea-stage opportunities
– Find high-growth potentials
– Accelerators can add consistency and help with
launch
– Engagement of local and state officials to facilitate
capital investments and a capital continuum

9. 3 Simple Truths
3. Local commitment is essential:
Don’t just build an incubator and expect new jobs…
– utilize the space you have
– Leverage your strengths
– invest in people, and
– connect them to local and regional knowledge
networks

10. So why Is this effort
Important?
10

11. The Market Reality
• The innovation economy is literally sweeping away all the old
rules of building communities. Entire industries are already being
transformed (publishing, music, news) and others are in a significant
state of change (retail, healthcare, manufacturing).
• The global marketplace is more mobile than ever.Investors and
entrepreneurs want to see a community and its leadership moving to
the future before allocating their time and capital. A community
hoping to have a thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and a
sustainable economy needs to be a place that demonstrates a
commitment to their entrepreneurial community.