EDP Core: Entrepreneurial and Small Businesses Development Strategies

This episode focuses on how economic developers support entrepreneurs and small businesses through practical development strategies. It explains why small businesses matter to job creation, innovation, diversification, local wealth-building, and community resilience, while also examining the barriers business owners face.Key study themes include microbusinesses, startups, second-stage firms, high-growth companies, business technical assistance, mentorship, incubation, acceleration, financing, procurement support, partner networks, SBDCs, chambers, colleges, lenders, and the role of economic developers in building coordinated support systems.This episode was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence using official IEDC study materials and publications as source material. It is intended for independent study only and is not endorsed, sponsored, reviewed, or approved by the International Economic Development Council.