Entrepreneurial communities—those communities that support entrepreneurship as a local or regional economic development strategy—are characterized by certain behaviors and conditions. There is probably no one correct way to describe what an entrepreneurial community looks like; entrepreneurial communities come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and flavors. Although we can’t give you a recipe for creating an entrepreneurial community, we can tell you about some of the most distinguishing characteristics of entrepreneurial communities.
* These communities contain a critical mass of aspiring and active entrepreneurs, build on the talents and resources of their residents, support champions, and take specific actions to support local business.
* Business owners in entrepreneurial communities tend to be linked or networked so that they share information, resources, and various forms of support.
* Entrepreneurial communities welcome population diversity; they recognize the importance of new ideas and innovations that are provided by people who migrate into the community.
To learn more about communities that support entrepreneurship, see www.energizingentrepreneurs.org/content/chapter3.php
