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Countless studies have shown entrepreneurship and new business creation to be the largest drivers of job creation, GDP growth, and social mobility. Yet, most economic development strategies focus on scaling the few breakout startups rather than cultivating their vast pool of untapped entrepreneurial talent. Drawing on the longest and most comprehensive study on the social science of entrepreneurship (16+ years), this session introduces a practical framework for unlocking entrepreneurial potential in your region and translating it into measurable outcomes.

❯ What You'll Learn:

  • Why startups, not corporations, create nearly all net new jobs — and how to capture this impact locally.
  • The 5-step rule (Identify --> Educate → Activate → Accelerate → Scale) that governments, chambers, and cities can use to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems.
  • How to quantify entrepreneurial potential using data-driven insights from 16+ years of research.
  • The key entrepreneurial traits (curiosity, perseverance, self-reliance) that drive success, and how to develop them in your community.
  • How regions can leverage their unique strengths instead of trying to be “the next Silicon Valley.”
  • Why early-stage support and mindset development matter more than skills training alone.
  • How to activate new funders and capital sources to sustain ecosystem growth.

❯ About the Speaker:

  • Jonathan Greechan - Co-Founder & CEO of the Founder Institute - Jonathan Greechan is the Co-Founder & CEO of the Founder Institute, the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator. Since 2009, he has grown and scaled the organization to chapters in over 200 cities and 100 countries, producing over 8000 portfolio companies with nearly $2B in venture funding. In his long career in tech and marketing, Jonathan has advised thousands of startups on marketing, growth, and product strategy and has spoken at startup conferences on four continents.

❯ Who Should Attend?
This session is designed for Economic Development Officers, Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, and City Leaders who want actionable strategies to create jobs, retain talent, attract investment, and take visible credit for regional growth.

❯❯ This live, interactive online event promises valuable insights! Ensure your participation by RSVPing now at 👉 https://fi.co/startupwebinar/20715 to receive the link to join us live!

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