Empowering Dreams and Vibrant Communities
Mary Ann Kristiansen
Mary Ann Kristiansen, a social and business entrepreneur, calls the New England community of Keene, New Hampshire home. She and her partners have grown some remarkable entrepreneurship initiatives including the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, Hannah Grimes Marketplace, and annual Radically Rural summit. 

This month’s downloadable story and podcast episode focuses on Mary Ann and the highly successful efforts by the Center to foster and support entrepreneurs in Southwestern New Hampshire. This year e2 is partnering with Radically Rural to host two entrepreneurship tracks with one focusing on the Ord, Nebraska story and the second on the NetWork Kansas Capital System. Consider attending Radically Rural, with both in-person and virtual attendance options. We hope this powerful story of local entrepreneurial ecosystem building and impact inspires you and your community.
Other e2 News
Economic Gardening – An Entrepreneurial Movement. I have known Chris Gibbons for a long time, dating back to his pioneering and innovative work with Economic Gardening in Littleton, Colorado, and now through his work with the National Center for Economic Gardening. At e2, we consider Chris to be among the top ten entrepreneurship thought leaders today in the United States. His work has inspired and informed an entire generation of economic developers embracing entrepreneurship-led development. To learn more, download our paper, Economic Gardening: An Entrepreneurial Approach to Economic Development in America. We also have a Pathways to Rural Prosperity podcast episode, in which Chris shares stories about how Economic Gardening is making a difference with growth entrepreneurs.
Field News
Startup Survival Podcast. This podcast provides great content for startup entrepreneurs and ventures. Check out this comprehensive series of episodes.

This New White House Executive Order Is a Game Changer for Entrepreneurs. Victor Hwang shares his thoughts on why the July 9 executive order on “Promoting Competition in the American Economy” is a fundamental shift in focus toward developing entrepreneurs across the country.

Breaking Down Barriers to Entrepreneurship for Women. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted a workshop in June exploring obstacles women face in becoming inventors and entrepreneurs, particularly in STEM careers and industries. Speakers at the workshop focused on developing more inclusive public education and better access to funding as ways to bring more women into these roles.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo Announces $3 Billion Investment in America’s Communities. The Economic Development Administration announced six funding streams to distribute nearly $3 billion for community investment and economic development. Communities can learn more about the programs and apply online.

A Simple Framework For A Solid Economic Development Brand. Maureen Ballatori describes the elements necessary for an economic development brand that explains why people inside and outside a community should engage economically with the community: understanding stakeholders and goals, differentiation, getting community buy-in, and taking action. These principles fit nicely with our e2 Development Framework. Download our e2 University Intro Guide to learn more!
Events
Annual Summit September 22-23
A dynamic gathering for thriving small communities, this year there will be in-person options, a virtual (live stream) option, and a connect-only option with seven different program tracks. e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and NetWork Kansas will be in Keane, NH presenting sessions during the entrepreneurship track. Don't miss this event sponsored by the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship!