Existing portals to help entrepreneurs find resources at the local, regional and/or state levels. These are often housed in a local/regional/state development organization. Gateway listings include all Local Development Districts (LDDs) operating in Appalachia. LDDs are core partners in regional development. Some, but not all, LDDs provide services to local entrepreneurs. In cases where LDDs do not provide direct support services, they may offer referrals to other regional business service providers.
Community Culture
Efforts to support the startup community such as business plan competitions, entrepreneur recognition, and investments in quality of life to attract talent.
Specialized Infrastructure
Elements of the built environment that support entrepreneurship. This may include a specific building, such as an incubator space, or something larger, like a downtown revitalization effort.
Talent
Job training, entrepreneurial skill building, youth entrepreneurship, and the overall talent pool that impact the startup workforce.
Market Access
Market intelligence to help entrepreneurs in the initial planning stages of their startup and as they seek to grow; sector strategies like support for local/regional food systems.
Regulatory/Government Support
Efforts such as streamlined business licensing, working across economic development, workforce development, and education silos, etc.
Business Assistance
Services such as business plan development, business counseling, and business acceleration programs to help entrepreneurs advance their startup.
Capital
Financial tools such as microlending, angel and venture investing, and revolving loan funds to help get businesses off the ground and to their next level of growth.
