Discover America's Innovation Hotspots

 In his book The Rise Of The Rest by Steve Case reminds us that #Entrepreneurs are key to the American DNA! He presents a vision of returning to America’s entrepreneurial roots with examples of “How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places Are Building the American Dream.” As an #entrepreneur himself, Steve shares how cities can be renewed and “Rise Again” if they develop a vibrant startup culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

1.     TIMELY PERSPECTIVE: These past couple of years have demonstrated the need / reminder that Innovation isn’t confined to Silicon Valley AND the importance of not only supporting entrepreneurs but also creating opportunities for them to excel. The New American Dream is no longer confined to the coastal cities; thanks to Steve’s movement it’s a dream woven into communities across this great nation.

 2.     INSPIRATIONAL STORIES: Real-Life Success Tales from some unlikely places will motivate and inspire AND remind us of “What is Possible.” The book gives life to a renewed vision and it’s happening in the heartland. Reading the personal stories gives not only hope but also great pride! This is our America!

3.     ECONOMIC INSIGHT: Historically, venture capital and investment money were rarely made available to areas other than the Big 3 (Silicon Valley - New York and Massachusetts). However, what Case proves is that when you "Decentralize the Tech Hubs" you can actually Boost the National Economy.

4.     STRATEGIC GUIDANCE: Involves embracing a “holistic approach” that takes into account the business side but also a broader ecosystem that is needed to grow entrepreneurial success. Building a supportive environment where startups thrive by leveraging local resources. Entrepreneurs in emerging markets will find strategic blueprints for success and “Revolution” brings together the individuals and organizations to make that happen.

 5.     INVESTMENT TRENDS: Educates the reader on exactly where Investors have been supporting #entrepreneurs. The bulk (75% going to 3 states). Steve brings to light the exploration of DIVERSE Funding avenues. “Smart Money” has been heading to middle America and why betting on diverse regions enables Investors – Local Businesses – Crowdfunding and Government Grants to come together to support these areas. To date there has been investment in 175 Companies outside of Silicon Valley.

6.     POLICY INFLUENCE: Communities are recognizing the value of “Policies” that benefit local Entrepreneurs and are therefore putting into place incentives to support their development and growth. Policies play a pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem OR the absence can also stifle its potential.

7.     TECH ECOSYSTEMS: With the “Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Road Trip,” the intent is to make investment more accessible to entrepreneurs.  A THRIVING ECOSYSTEM requires access to a diverse Talent Pool | Capital |Policies | Incubators | Networking & Mentorship | Research and Development and finally, Community and Lifestyle in diverse regions across the U.S..

8.     HISTORICAL CONTEXT: The U.S. was founded on principles that encouraged innovation and business creation. The "Startup Mentality" is a driving force in the country’s development and as mentioned above the concentration in only three states led to disparities especially in the Midwest and Non-Coastal regions.

9.     FUTURE FORECASTING: Being prepared involves “ANTICIPATING” the Future of Industry and preparing for the next wave of Innovation. Analyzing Trends can reflect the evolving landscape of American entrepreneurship and this geographical diversification is expected to continue; due to technological advances, changing social norms, and economic strategies. Who would have guessed that people could work remotely to the extent that many do?

10.  NETWORKING KNOWLEDGE: Entrepreneurship can be challenging and having a robust network provides a support system for guidance – encouragement and assistance and this is a pivotal aspect of the book. The intent is to provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to connect with a network that could provide Funding | Mentorship | Strategic Partnerships that they had not had access to previously.

 AUTHOR’S INTENT (in my humble opinion) - In many ways, Steve Case brought to light what many of us already believed - there are so many talented, creative, innovative entrepreneurs who were not getting the opportunities due to their Zip Code. The launch of “Revolution’s Rise of the Rest” brought light to the fact that innovation and business acumen are NOT geographically defined. From the beginning, he draws the reader in on an exciting #roadtrip as he shares incredible Success Stories! Promise you will be cheering for #entrepreneurs like Megan Glover - Founder of 120Water .

ACTION STEPS

1.     Read the Book and If you are able to work remotely and/or if you are seeking to live in another area - take time to evaluate your own skills - interests and see which region is a possibility for you to consider. The Country Awaits!

2.     Connect with Becky McCray who works with small towns to rebuild and regenerate. She is the ultimate "on the ground resource" as she has works with the community to connect the dots with "Small Town Business Models."

I highly recommend The Rise of The Rest and you can Grab Your Copy Here (no affiliate fee – just sharing)

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