The essence of an entrepreneurial ecosystem is its people and a culture of trust and collaboration that allows them to interact successfully. An ecosystem that enables a fast flow of talent, information and resources – especially in times of crisis – helps entrepreneurs thrive and survive. While many communities have elements of an ecosystem, they often remain underutilized and disconnected. Ecosystem builders create value for social entrepreneurs by making connections among these ockets of support (training, investment, mentoring, events, space, and fostering collaboration to help improve the entire system. This panel will zero-in on the role of ecosystem builders in listening, connecting, supporting social entrepreneurs at the local level, particularly as many struggle through the realities of a post-Covid19 economy. We will hear from the global voices of these “second” responders supporting social entrepreneurs on the field in Latin America, Asia, Africa and North America as they also redesign their own sustainability models to meet the needs of their communities.
Moderator: Anika Horn, Social Venturers
Panelists:
Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter, IMPAQTO (Ecuador)
Danielle Anderson, Step and Stone, Nairobi (Kenya) or Leon Reiner, Impact Hub Berlin (Germany)
Rick Turoczy, Pie PDX, Portland (USA)
Misbah Naqvi or Kalsoom Lakhani, i2i Ventures (Pakistan)