Delta Entrepreneurship Network

The

D E N

Developing an entrepreneurial eco-system for Northeast Arkansas

Companies less than five years old account for all of the net job growth in our country between 1980 and 2005. These firms have the potential to one day employ hundreds, if not thousands of workers.

These high-growth startups can be in any industry and from any region of the country.

States are emphasizing job creation from within the state. States are increasingly emphasizing policies and programs

To provide customized services to startup companies and high-growth companies located within their own borders…

States are raising expectations for universities to bridge the gap between research and commercialization. States are interested in how they can help their universities (and other sources of new

technologies) to be more outward looking and to commercialize their research into new patents, products, and companies. They are streamlining access to university and federal lab research and encouraging cross-university efforts and innovation hubs

Helping entrepreneurs

start, grow, and renew businesses is one of the most important things a government can do to create jobs and raise living standards.

It should be a priority at all levels of government, as well as for a whole variety of institutions, including universities, economic development offices, industry associations,

and chambers of commerce.

Put entrepreneurial activity at the top of thestate’s economic agenda.

Find the potential high-growth companies

and help them grow.

Cast a wide net to find entrepreneurs.

Teach entrepreneurship skills and attitudesat all education levels.

Build a startup environment and culture.

only 2 percent of annual job gains across states can be attributed to business relocations

Yet, …in fiscal year 2013 states are planning to

devote 26.9 percent more of their economic development funds to strategic business attraction than they did in fiscal year 2012

1. Organize the investors

2. Make connections

3. Provide support

Paragould

Jonesboro

Hardy

Osceola

Marion

Newport

Wynne

Walnut Ridge/Pocahontas/Corning

Blytheville

Piggott

EVENTS

• Gone In 60 Seconds

• ARK Challengetype events

• Inventors meetings new business ideas fast pitch contests

• Business plan competitions

• Virtual events held via the Internet

What factors would be most important to

young people in selecting a rural

community to live in?

The “Brain Gain”

• Among the findings is the number of rural counties that experienced gains in the 30–49 age group

• Harrisburg growth, age 30-49, 531 in 2000 to 599 in 2010

Delta Entrepreneurship Network

Delta Center for Economic Development

Funding support provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration

For more information, contact:Jerry L. Smith 870-680-8273jerry@astate.eduFollow us: @KoalaGuy /ASU.DCED.RCD