Steps to a Strong Startup Community.

The world is abuzz with the promise of emerging startup ecosystems, and rightfully so. In the U.S., for example, according to the Kauffman Foundation report, new businesses are responsible for nearly all net new job creation and account for almost 20% of gross job creation. But with all this momentum, one pressing question remains: Can these ecosystems be sustained over the long term?

With more and more entrepreneurs chipping in to create successful startup ecosystems, much of the concentration should go to how such an ecosystem could sustain itself. The following are some of the key strategies that can help one create a sustainable and efficient long-term startup ecosystem, regardless of your location in the world.

1. Take a Collective Approach

Behind every startup is one of the essential philosophies that it innovates markets and opportunities that were never present but never thought of. This attitude creates a chain reaction in an ecosystem: if one business grows, other businesses take advantage of the new opportunity by using services or collaborating on business ventures. In a startup ecosystem, collaboration should be favored over competition.

It's very easy to fall into the temptation of a "me-first" attitude and actually attempt to gain market share at the expense of others. History has shown that such an environment, built on such a mentality, burns up all too quickly. A thriving startup ecosystem is one in which all stakeholders benefit when there has been a communal effort in one way or another. Keep in mind, always: startups that "win at all costs" almost never do well long term; foster a collective approach to benefit the entire ecosystem.

2. Map the Local Resources Available to Startups

A successful startup ecosystem is one where entrepreneurs know what resources are available to them. In many cases, entrepreneurs don't want other people to steal their ideas, so they avoid local startup organizations, events, mentorship programs, and coworking spaces. Networking, however, is a key component in the building of any business.

Time to find and reach out to local startup hubs: everything from incubators and accelerators to networking events. Resources like these can foster mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and even potential funding. No need to go it alone when there's so much support right in front of you.

3. Bring Together the Network

Probably the best way to develop a healthy startup ecosystem is through organizing and attending local events. Events help unify people, and through them, entrepreneurs are able to share ideas, get feedback, and hook up with local experts. While getting started, events can be free and open to the public to encourage people to join the network. Whether through workshops, networking sessions, or panels composed of experienced entrepreneurs, such an event would be well worth the time spent there in learning and growing.

Not afraid to organize such events via Meetup or similar platforms, making sure locals can find out about it easily. Nobody is out there to 'steal' your idea-the people coming to attend are there to help and collaborate with each other.

4. Activate Your Government

Governments and local chambers of commerce can be pretty instrumental in fostering the development of a startup ecosystem. By reaching out to them, you may get some great resources in the form of networking event funding, mentorship, and community outreach. Many local government officials are very eager to help fund startups, since their presence means great things for the economic development of a region. Don't be afraid to reach out to them and see what they can do for you.

5. Be Honest About Your Progress

It is a mistake many startups make: measuring themselves against the local competition. It is good to monitor your competition, but grading your startup based on where you stand in relation to them is a fundamentally flawed approach. Instead, use proper metrics and honest customer feedback. Conquer the fundamentals: create something that actually solves the needs of your customers.

Sustainable growth will follow suit once you honestly find out where your business currently stands. Attracting funding becomes much more possible when the startups possess this powerful and data-driven metric of performance from local and international investors.

In the world of startups, the ultimate goal is not just growth, but sustainability. Focus on building a strong, collaborative ecosystem where all players support one another. As you create value and establish trust within your local community, funding will follow naturally.

Building a sustainable startup ecosystem isn’t easy, but by following these tips and focusing on long-term growth, you’ll lay the foundation for a thriving, dynamic community of entrepreneurs and innovators.