Overview

Overview:

We are building a national network of best-in-class innovation ecosystem builders and connecting them to people, resources, and events around the nation to support their communities and their work.

Twice annually, Startup Champion Network members meet in-person to connect, share knowledge/experiences and take a deep, behind-the-scenes dive into the local host ecosystem.  This personal interaction is a critical part of the member value-proposition as well as an important commitment all members make — to celebrate each other.

These 2.5 day intimate gatherings bring together the nation’s top ecosystem builders and national ecosystem support organizations to convene conversations, gain insight from real world case studies, and explore and experience new communities, against the backdrops of some of the nation’s top emerging ecosystems.

As a member, you receive the following support:

  • Build the Network: Connect and foster relationships among innovation ecosystem builders.
  • Activate & Level Up Ecosystem Builders: Gather, develop and distribute best-in-class practices in ecosystem building to 1) help established builders level up and 2) on-board new generations of ecosystem builders.
  • Elevate Local Startups: Methodically collaborate to connect and elevate high-performing startups from champions’ local regions to help them access the national network of resources and people they need to succeed.
  • Track Ecosystem Growth: Develop and track a common set of innovation ecosystem health metrics to help local regions benchmark their progress and create a collective data resource that measures the size and strength of the national innovation ecosystem over time.
  • Celebrate: Champion, share and cheer on the great success and growth in entrepreneurship happening all over the country.

Spud’s Thoughts:

A few of my good friends are a part of this group. At the end of the days, these networks are most valuable because they focus on bringing people together who are doing work that can sometimes feel isolating when only in your community. They host two summits a year that seem really valuable – I’ve yet to be to one but may have to join the crew here soon 🙂