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Entrepreneurial ecosystems move ideas to reality

Chattanooga, Tennessee
The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chattanooga, Tennessee, provides the necessary support for entrepreneurs to succeed.

Three videos explore cities where entrepreneurship supporters are rising up to meet the needs of entrepreneurs in their communities.

Ecosystem builders work to make their communities a great place to start and grow a business by breaking down barriers for all entrepreneurs. This network of support can create an inclusive homegrown economy where everyone benefits. Entrepreneurs in three such cities – Kansas City, Missouri; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and the Twin Cities, Minnesota – illustrate how their local entrepreneurial ecosystem has helped them move their ideas to reality.

Kansas City, Missouri

Inspired by the love of his grandmother, Chris Goode, founder of Ruby Jean’s Juicery in Kansas City, Missouri, opened a health food business on Troost Ave. Historically recognized as a racial dividing line, Troost wasn’t thriving with new business, but Goode followed his heart, and with the support of KC community, operates as a beacon of entrepreneurial success.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The impact of a thriving interconnected entrepreneurial ecosystem is apparent in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. George Yu went from NASA computer scientist to founder of Variable, Inc., taking advantage of city’s entrepreneurial support organizations as he built his high-tech, color-reading sensors in the heart of America.

Twin Cities, Minnesota

Meet Fatimah Hussein and Jamie Glover, co-founders of Asiya, a modest activewear brand that encourages Muslim girls to participate in sports. The support the founders received from their entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, helped them transform a community need into a social venture.

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