Creating Systems for Entrepreneur Support – How is your state doing?

Consider the following hypothetical phone conversation:

Aspiring Entrepreneur: “I’m interested in getting information and support for starting a new business.”

Economic Developer: “Our program doesn’t provide such support, but if you call this other office, they should be able to help you out.”

This conversation occurs frequently in economic development offices. After concluding this call, most economic developers would be pleased that they were able to network the entrepreneur with a needed resource. But what really happens to the entrepreneur after this referral? In some cases, the referral works, but in most instances, the network breaks down. The entrepreneur fails to follow up, the suggested contact information is wrong, or, most commonly, the suggested organization also doesn’t offer what the entrepreneur needs and she receives yet another referral. In most cases, the entrepreneur gives up and reports that “I tried to get help, but they just gave me the run-around.”

by Erik R. Pages, President, EntreWorks Consulting

EntreWorks Consulting works with communities, organizations and civic leaders to design, implement, and promote innovative economic development strategies, policies and programs. More information is available at http://www.entreworks.net.

Full Story: http://www.eda.gov/EDAmerica/winter2005/entrepreneur.html