Resources

Entrepreneurial ecosystems describe communities or regions that foster an overall business climate supportive of entrepreneurship. These communities portray a positive, enthusiastic attitude that infuses an entrepreneurial culture; one that asks “how can we help you start and succeed at business?” There are many resources and incentives that communities can offer to new and existing entrepreneurs to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Check out a few helpful tools to help strengthen your entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Menu of Incentive Ideas

Launch an Entrepreneur Challenge Toolkit

Community Entrepreneur Package Examples

Main Street America – Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and the Role of Commercial Districts

Virginia Main Street – Creating a Successful “Entrepreneurial Ecosystem”

Recognizing that the Coalfield Counties have a unique culture and history, the VA General Assembly created the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority in 1993 to tell our authentic story and promote this region as an attractive tourism destination. Focusing on our exciting outdoor adventure and relaxing scenic beauty, Heart of Appalachia promotes the westernmost counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Wise and the City of Norton.

The Virginia Main Street Program is a preservation-based economic and community development program that follows the Main Street Four-Point Approach™ developed by the National Trust Main Street Center. Virginia Main Street offers a range of services and assistance to communities interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts. While the program was designed to address the need for revitalization and on-going management of smaller to mid-sized downtowns, aspects of the Main Street Approach™ may be applied successfully in other commercial settings.

Virginia DHCD

Virginia Main Street Home Page

Virginia Tourism Corporation Partnership Alliance Marketing is focused on increasing visitor spending in Virginia through uniting Virginia’s tourism community of small businesses, attractions, corporations, associations and agencies. They focus on the extra-ordinary, never being satisfied with mediocrity when it comes to serving Virginia communities and representing the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Partnership Marketing is working closely with communities throughout Virginia to 1) Listen 2) Support and 3) Get work accomplished through marketing, education and product development.