Connectivity as Key Ecosystem Ingredient

​Entrepreneurial thinking is encouraged in many corners around the globe and EEC's Chief Relationship Officer, Reka Barabas, had the opportunity to connect with more than a dozen colleagues from international colleges and universities last month as part of a continuing education certificate.

"Building an Entrepreneurship Education Ecosystem" offered by Babson College is a practical, five-part course that helps higher education faculty, staff, and community leaders understand, envision, and design a vibrant ecosystem that benefits their own local entrepreneurship community. 

The good news is that Northeast Ohio and EEC's member schools are committed to developing their students' entrepreneurial mindset whether they want to start their own business or contribute to an existing company as an intrapreneur. Compared to other regions, there are well-equipped resources available to the students and the general community in NEO that are easy to access because of their no-fee or low-fee structure. 

The challenge lies in their connectivity. An ecosystem is more than just an impressive inventory list - it is built on relationships and is largely reliant on how the different ecosystem players interact with each other. 

This is why EEC is continuing the journey of opening up the network and establishing new connections - whether it is with new member schools, additional board members, strategic program partners, mentors from the business community, or diverse funders. 

Please reach out to us (reka@eecohio.org or deb@eecohio.org) as we grow a vibrant and well-connected entrepreneurship ecosystem for NEO's future!