Growth in Entrepreneurship

Nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and telling them what they need to know is more important than ever, as the growth in entrepreneurship is at an all time high in light of current events. As a result, more people are seeking guidance from the SBDC’s (Small Business Development Centers) all over the country. In addition, there is a surge in growth of entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, with the fastest growing group of small businesses being women, and women of color in particular. To meet this trend, SBDC consultants will require additional insights to increase their effectiveness. The presentation highlighted in the video speaks to what the next generation of entrepreneurs is seeking and how the SBDC can respond to meet the need. 

Topics covered include: 

• the evolving face of entrepreneurship
• trends and opportunities
• barriers to success
• how the SBDC can make the difference between success & failure

Questions to Ask

In this presentation I highlight key concepts and questions for consideration for SBDC consultants. For example, asking oneself how do you make someone feel when you meet with them for consulting? What vocabulary do you use – is it condescending or encouraging? This requires having challenging and courageous conversations that may not be comfortable, but are essential. What makes the difference is our intention – and the only intention should be to be of service.

It was a true delight to present at the American Small Business Development Center’s (ASBDC) National Conference in 2020. My presentation was pre-recorded via Zoom and shared on the ASBDC virtual conference platform for on-demand viewing.

My intention in this presentation was to share ideas and to encourage engagement that sparks conversations with the almost 4,000 attendees at the ASBDC Conference.

Feedback

The audience engagement came in the form of emails and social media messages that I received from people who watched my presentation and reached out to connect with me directly.

Some of the feedback included:

“I just watched your video on Nurturing the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs and I learned a lot of valuable information. I’m a new advisor with the San Antonio SBDC and I’m looking forward to using your tips in my next client meetings.”

Amir from University of Texas, San Antonio

“I really loved your session on Nurturing the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs during the ASBDC conference. You did a great job and I got a lot of good things out it – such as your approach to coaching SBDC counselors to help diverse clients. I’ve been asked by fellow counselors on how they can “up their game” in that area. I lacked the language to help them; until I took your class.”

Kevin Wilson | Executive Director | America’s SBDC | Small Business Empowerment Center

The conversation continues LIVE in a Zoom Q&A on October 14th, 2020 at 2PM ET visit ASBDC.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going. I invite you to sign up for my email newsletter Super Charge Weekly to keep informed of interesting topics and events of interest. If you would like me to speak at your conference or event to further discuss this topic, please contact me here.