Rural Community Action Assembly: Sustaining Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
November 19 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am EST
Strong small business networks can boost rural economies by fostering innovation, job creation, and local growth. They support entrepreneurs and local businesses, diversify industries, and create and sustain local jobs. By attracting investment and retaining skilled workers, these local ecosystems support economic resilience and can drive job growth in rural regions. Attendees will learn about ways to cultivate and support robust entrepreneurial networks.
Speakers will include:
- Michael Fortunato, Founding Partner, Creative Insight Community Development;
- Bradley Lashinsky, Director, North Central Pennsylvania LaunchBox, Pennsylvania State University;
- Thomas Lyons, Clarence E. Harris Chair of Excellence in Business and Entrepreneurship, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga;
- Don Macke, Senior Vice President, e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems; and
- Amanda Weinstein, Director of Research, Knowledge, and Evaluation, Center on Rural Innovation.
Who should attend
This event is designed for rural economic or workforce development organizations, chambers of commerce, nonprofits working with low- and moderate-income communities, and other rural decision-makers interested in inclusive workforce models.
The series is cohosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and Penn State’s Center for Economic and Community Development.
Participation is free, but registration is required. A video recording and presentations will be shared publicly afterward. Participants will have opportunities to interact with their peers, and all attendees are encouraged to contribute to the discussion.
For questions, please contact Philip Jones at philip.jones@phil.frb.org.
