To create an ecosystem that is thriving, it’s important that ecosystem builders work together with the local community. Everyone impacted should have a voice and be made aware of the shifts happening in their rural community. This week, episode 7 of Entrepreneurship on the RISE Podcast is about how to build a resilient startup ecosystem! 

RISE Collaborative is striving to create a more inclusive and vibrant regional economy in which makers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and service providers interact organically and collaboratively. Our mission is to enhance equity and access to entrepreneurship and innovation for people who have been underserved based on geographic location (anyone who lives, works, or owns a business in Southern Virginia), and for people who have been underrepresented based on race, gender, religion, or other factors. We are doing this by creating regionally-relevant incubator services and accelerator programs that can be accessed at many locations across our service area.

In this episode of Entrepreneurship on the RISE Podcast, Jacob and Lauren, joined by their guest Anand Macherla are sharing the importance of finding other value sources in these ecosystems. They also discuss the underpinning value of ecosystem building. 

Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:

• How growing up in New Mexico shaped his perspective on startups and ecosystems. 
• Skillsets we should be passing on to younger generations to drive change. 
• Setting the model for equitable ecosystems. 
• The intersection of state policy, environmental protection, and opportunities for entrepreneurs. 

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

Learn more about RISE Collaborative at https://sovarise.com/ 

CONNECT WITH ANAND MACHERLA:

LinkedIn

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Michael Scales on a Lifetime of Ecosystem Building

Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker