2025 Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building Census
The Ecosystem Builder Census is designed to help us map the emerging field of entrepreneurial ecosystem builders and professionals across the United States.
Your responses provide critical insights into who we are as a field and how we can support one another. By identifying and connecting the individuals and organizations dedicated to creating supportive environments for entrepreneurs, we aim to better understand, support, and strengthen the ecosystem building community.
The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Please answer each question to the best of your ability; optional questions can be skipped if needed. Your input helps build a stronger, more connected ecosystem building community.
Sample of a Future Map Design
What do you mean by Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building?
Entrepreneurial ecosystem building is an emerging professional practice that aims to create the conditions for entrepreneurs to succeed by fostering connections, resources, and a supportive culture across a community. ​Ecosystem building differs from more traditional direct entrepreneurial support programs and economic development strategies.
Ecosystem building differs from more traditional forms of entrepreneurial support, which focus primarily on directly serving entrepreneurs (incubators, mentoring, investing) because it takes a systems-level approach to strengthening networks and culture across a community among entrepreneurs, investors, educators, policymakers, and others.
Ecosystem building also differs from traditional economic development, which historically prioritized attracting existing companies by instead focusing on nurturing local support for entrepreneurs to drive long-term economic and social impact in a community. ​​​
What Is Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building?
Watch this 2-minute explainer video courtesy of the Kauffman Foundation.
FAQ's
Why are we doing this?
Entrepreneurial ecosystem builders play a critical role in fostering innovation, economic development, and inclusive growth. However, this field is still emerging and remains somewhat under-recognized and undefined.
By gathering insights from practitioners like you, we seek to:
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Define the Field: Establish a clearer picture of who ecosystem builders are, what they do, and how they impact entrepreneurial communities.
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Identify Needs: Understand the challenges ecosystem builders face and what resources or support could help them succeed.
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Foster Connections: Build an interactive directory that helps ecosystem builders find and collaborate with peers in the United States.
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Inform Strategy: Shape the future of our field by co-creating solutions, tools, and resources tailored to your needs.
How will the data be used?
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Your responses will help us:
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Create a national directory of U.S.-based ecosystem builders to facilitate collaboration.
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Develop network opportunities that address the field’s unique challenges.
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Advocate for the recognition and resources necessary to elevate the impact of ecosystem builders.
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Inform strategic initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem building profession.
Why is this important?
By participating, you will:
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Be Counted: Ensure your voice and perspective contribute to the recognition and growth of this field
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Gain Visibility and Connections: Opt to be included in a publicly accessible directory showcasing your work and expertise.
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Access Resources: Help guide the development of programs and initiatives that directly address your challenges and needs.
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Strengthen the Field: Contribute to building a robust and connected community of peers who share your commitment to empowering entrepreneurs.​