Every state and community has entrepreneurial talent and resources that can help this talent thrive. Most states and communities lack robust and comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem strategies employing proven “top down” and “bottom up” development game plans. Nebraska is now committed to a cutting edge and innovative entrepreneurial communities’ initiative called E3 or Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems.  

Nebraska’s entrepreneurship strategies have been largely focused on traditional microenterprise and small business development and capital access for such ventures. Both Omaha and Lincoln have active entrepreneurial ecosystem building focusing on underserved entrepreneurs, microenterprises, small- and high-growth businesses.

In our newest paper – E3 Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems – we introduce this new “bottom up” entrepreneur-focused community economic development initiative capable of furthering both community and statewide support for and investment in entrepreneurship strategies. 
Other e2 News
Exploring E3 in Nebraska: An Insider's Perspective of Energizing Entrepreneurship Ecosystems

In this edition of Pathways to Rural Prosperity Podcast Don Macke with e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems hosts KC Belitz, Chief Operating Office with the Nebraska Community Foundation and leader for a new E-
Community initiative based in Nebraska called E3 for short or Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems.
E3 is off to a very promising start and has a vision of taking entrepreneurship statewide over the coming decade. The Nebraska Community Foundation is a best-in-class rural statewide community building initiative rooted in community philanthropy. Check out our new episode.
Save the Date
Don Macke of e2 joins an esteemed group of panelists in a Rural LISC virtual conversation around small businesses as drivers of economic resilience in small cities and rural regions on Tues., Aug. 23, 2022 from 1-2:30 p.m. EST. Rural LISC supports resilient and inclusive rural communities as great places to live, work, and innovate. Rural LISC strives to identify priorities and opportunities - and deliver the most appropriate support to meet local needs through integrated strategies and programs focused on five pillars of rural community development: Creative Capital, Broadband & Infrastructure, Workforce Development, Housing, and Disaster Solutions.

RSVP to participate.
Field News
Video: A new generation of welcome in rural Kansas. This Rural Assembly Program feature explores creating welcoming communities in rural places. View the feature.

Resources: The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform features personalized learning, live expert coaching, peer networking, incentives and more for entrepreneurs. The platform is being heavily-emphasized in rural communities, thanks to the engagement of promotional partners including NetWork Kansas and Rural LISC. View the platform.
Events
Radically Rural Summit, September 21-22, 2022, is a virtual and in-person event, showcasing innovation and entrepreneurship in the beautiful Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. This summit draws hundreds of registrants from across the U.S. Learn More.
Rural Rise, Summit 2022, September 28-30, 2022, is an in-person event in Emporia, Kansas.

Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), in partnership with NetWork Kansas, is hosting the Third Annual RuralRISE National Conference in Emporia, Kansas. RuralRISE is a community of organizations that aims to increase opportunities and prosperity for small and rural communities across the United States.

Featured presenters include:
Center of Rural Innovation (CORI)
Rural LISC
Federal Reserve
Main Street Communities
Heartland Forward

RuralRISE seeks to increase the opportunities, increase accessibility, and spotlight innovation, entrepreneurial, and startup activities that work in a rural context.