text: The latest research insights and observations from the frontlines of ecosystem building for social change. A one-person think-tank.
  By Isaac Jeffries One of the best ways to separate the strong entrepreneurs from the soon-to-be-frustrated entrepreneurs is to ask them about their goals.Sharp entrepreneurs set clear goals, which are easy to measure and genuinely contribute to their vision.Frustrated entrepreneurs talk about their dreams and set micro targets for their days, but these never turn […]
  Each month, three out of a thousand Americans start a new business (Kauffman Foundation 2019). For these entrepreneurs to succeed, they need varying levels of support: mentorship and advice, affordable work space, flexible financing, a favorable business environment, the list goes on… Broadly speaking, they need an ecosystem that helps them start and grow sustainable […]
  A tribute to my fellow ecosystem builders. I remember staring out the window of Lamplighter on a sunny afternoon in November of 2017. Lamplighter is a local coffee shop in Richmond, VA, that became my office away from the office when I needed to think. I was devouring my one Americano a day and Maurice Williams & […]
  Ending my one-sided relationship with ecosystem building. Ecosystem building and I have been going through a rough time lately. It’s not like we’re breaking up but it’s fair to say that we need some time apart, figure out what we see and value in one another, imagine life without the other, find some assurance that […]