Sometimes the best resource for founders is other founders
Rural communities often lack the resources, access to capital, and support that larger business ecosystems provide. Founders in these areas are given an ultimatum—migrate to other communities in search of better resources or make use of what is available.
Support organizations like chambers, ESO’s, and economic development groups, are faced with similar challenges. Business ecosystems need new, sustainable businesses to thrive, and when founders have limited resources, it’s hard to create a self-sustaining business economy.
So, how do organizations help under-resourced founders build businesses while creating a supportive local ecosystem?
It all starts with bringing founders together.
In 2016, a few founders got together in Johnson City, TN, a small town at the time, and started hosting events, pitch competitions, and monthly meetups. This wasn’t the work of an organization or non-profit—this was a group of loose friends with a mission to bring founders together across the region. These events quickly gained traction as excitement grew within the local scene and more people began launching local businesses.
Although these events didn’t immediately bridge the gap between founders and support, it was the spark that led to the creation of supporting organizations like FoundersForge, Spark Plaza, and the vibrant business ecosystem that contains over 90+ businesses today.
Over the years, we’ve learned that when organizations get founders together, something unexplainable happens. Partnerships are made, ideas are born, and most importantly, resources are shared.
Sometimes the best resource for founders is other founders.
In rural communities, existing business owners, founders, and supporters are looking to get involved in the community—organizations just need to get out and cultivate it! A lack of resources, is not the same as a lack of resourcefulness, and too often rural organizations overlook the power of their existing network.
To help organizations replicate the success we’ve seen in Johnson City, share resources, and build a stronger business ecosystem within their communities, we launched the Avante platform. It’s equipped with a digital space for founders to network, a bootcamp curriculum that teaches founders the basics of starting a company, and resource sharing tools.
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