Right to Start

We are feeling grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week alongside EFN members and our friends at Right to Start. Thank you to Victor W. Hwang and Courtney Broom, MBA, SHRM-CP for joining us in conversation with EFN membership today and sharing inspiring stories and data that highlight the unifying power of entrepreneurship. ? If you’re an EFN member or considering joining EFN, stay tuned for a link to access the recording next week! ? In the meantime, check out Victor’s latest article in Inc., linked below, where he shares insights on the state of American?entrepreneurship from his cross-country road trip. We're pleased to share...the American Dream is very much alive. ?? https://lnkd.in/gAysyTKd

We did a thing… ?? In our mission to make Keystone Sessions content more accessible and usable as a resource, we’ve launched The Disruption Lab podcast! Not only that, but we’ve also reorganized our YouTube channel to feature playlist along with shorter, impactful segments packed with actionable tips. Every Thursday, we’ll be sharing our most valuable sessions in podcast form so you can easily tune in on the go. Our first episode is here, featuring Victor Hwang, founder of Right to Start, who digs into the big question: Why is entrepreneurship so vital for communities? ?? Victor breaks down the economic and social benefits of entrepreneurship and how we can all play a role in advocating for innovation. This is just the beginning—follow the podcast for weekly episodes that will keep you thinking disruptively. Check it out, subscribe, and get ready for insights you won’t want to miss! https://lnkd.in/gCaHstUP Victor W. Hwang #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #podcast #innovation #ecosystembuilding

We're happy to say the Chamber has joined the Indiana Starters Coalition as a steering committee member. Our VP Adam H. Berry writes on how this will help us foster entrepreneurship and support small businesses in the state: https://lnkd.in/gJXmmGTP #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #indiana #smallbusiness

?? Advancing Entrepreneurship at Global Entrepreneurship Week in Sacramento! ?? This past Monday, Victor W. Hwang, Founder & CEO of Right to Start, delivered a powerful keynote during Global Entrepreneurship Week Sacramento. In a thought-provoking fireside chat with Jermaine Carter-Gibson and Isaiah Green from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), Victor highlighted the urgent need for policies and initiatives that break down barriers and unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs in every community. His message served as an inspiration to leaders and changemakers to champion entrepreneurship as a path to economic and social renewal. The event was hosted by Right to Start Ambassador Cameron R. Law, Executive Director of the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Global Entrepreneurship Week #GEW (November 18–24), organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), is a worldwide celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship, uniting millions of participants across 180+ countries, including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, educators, and community leaders. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/guZjwV9B #LetUsStart #BuildYourDreams

"City leaders have the opportunity to strengthen their communities by more actively supporting entrepreneurship in their cities; helping to dismantle the stigma that government acts as more of a barrier rather than a boon to starting or growing a business." --National League of Cities ?? Recently, over 100 changemakers gathered in Kansas City, MO, at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation headquarters to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the conclusion of five years of the City Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) program. Right to Start Founder and CEO Victor W. Hwang and Chief Government Affairs Officer Jason Grill captured the impact of entrepreneurship during a session on entrepreneurship trends: “If there is a 1% increase in entrepreneurship, there is a 2% decrease in poverty.” The event also showcased programs like The KC BizCare Office, which provides streamlined licensing and workshops for diverse entrepreneurs, as a model for empowering local business growth. Entrepreneurship isn’t just an economic driver—it’s a community builder. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e3CWzVFN

Did you know that a 1% increase in entrepreneurship leads to a 2% decrease in poverty for a state? Making entrepreneurship easier for everyone needs to be a national bipartisan priority. New businesses lead to more new jobs, higher incomes, and greater prosperity for entire communities. The first step is showing that you support entrepreneurs in your community. Sign Right to Start's Statement of Principles today! Shoutout to partners like serial entrepreneur Ashok Aggarwal ??, Co-Founder of M&S Consulting , Intermed Labs, and Moodr Health! #LetUsStart #BuildYourDreams #Entrepreneur #Entrepreneurship

?? Shoutout to Right to Start partner The University of New Mexico (UNM) for being recognized with the prestigious Innovation & Economic Prosperity Innovation Award by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU)! ?? This award highlights UNM's outstanding efforts in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven economic development—a testament to their commitment to driving economic growth and supporting a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across New Mexico and beyond. Key achievements that earned UNM this recognition: ?? A multi-year campaign sharing resources and knowledge with entrepreneurs statewide. ?? Collaboration with civic and private sector partners to bolster a vibrant start-up ecosystem. ?? The New Mexico Tribal Entrepreneurship Enhancement Program, supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, addressing barriers, and mentoring nearly 60 individuals since its inception. ?? In 2021 alone, UNM-supported startups generated a $55.4 million economic impact. Lisa Kuuttila, CEO of UNM Rainforest Innovations, was quoted in the article, and said: "This award reflects the strength of our collaborative ecosystem, where research, entrepreneurship, and community engagement come together to create a lasting impact." ?? Cheers to UNM for setting a benchmark in economic engagement and paving the way for other institutions to follow! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eXUQGfJH

My fellow Right to Start Ambassador Cecilia Wessinger on how to approach building local entrepreneurial ecosystems:?"Think about what's important for your respective community….you get to choose what works for your community…" #ESOSummit2024