Join Us at the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis

For the first time since 2009, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) is returning to the United States! Join us June 2-5, 2025, in Indianapolis for one of the world’s most impactful gatherings of entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders. GEC 2025 will focus on strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems, with sessions on network building, capital access, regulatory optimization, and investment readiness. Attendees will also contribute to a 10-year Vision 2035 roadmap to drive global entrepreneurship growth.

As a GEC Ambassador, SourceLink is offering free registrations and exclusive opportunities for our affiliates. If you are a SourceLink affiliate who is interested in attending, please email help@joinsourcelink.com and our team will be in touch.

We look forward to seeing many SourceLink affiliates, partners and friends at this exciting event.

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Building Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the importance of fostering inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems – not just this month, but year-round. Below we've compiled some key resources to help economic developers support Black entrepreneurs:

Forward Cities Black Wall Street Forward is a learning network of Black leaders committed to catalyzing economic liberation and wealth for Black communities and serves as an inspirational best practice. Learn more.
Building Entrepreneurship Ecosystems in Communities of Color provides essential concepts and recommendations to foster entrepreneurship in communities of color by Dr. Dell Gines and Mr. Rodney Sampson. Read here.
IEDC’s Equitable Economic Development Playbook – Learn how economic development organizations can integrate equity into their operations. View the webinar.
Project DEEP Course by Dr. Dell Gines – A comprehensive course on inclusive ecosystem building and community-driven economic resilience. Register here.

Affiliate & Partner Updates

Colmena66’s Acércate al Grant Program

Colmena66 opened applications for the Acércate al Grant program during the month of February, helping Puerto Rican researchers and entrepreneurs secure federal SBIR/STTR funding. Supported by the SBA’s FAST grant, the program offers training, mentorship, and technical assistance. In 2024, it assisted 516 individuals and selected 15 projects from 82 applications. Read more about how Colmena66 is creating opportunities for their community here.

Paul Taylor Retirement

Paul Taylor, Director of the Small Business Resource Center in Baltimore, is retiring after more than 20 years of supporting and empowering small business owners. Paul partnered with SourceLink back in 2015 to create Baltimore SourceLink and help entrepreneurs get connected with resources in his community. Thank you Paul, and we wish you all the best in your upcoming retirement!

Celebrating Black Life, History and Culture

Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC-ORV) will honor and celebrate Black life, history and culture, and highlight resources for Black women business owners at their Bold & Brilliant event, April 17-18 in Columbus, OH. https://conta.cc/41mfDb3

UEDA Conference

Join us for the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Washington Conference and University Center Cohort Meeting in Arlington, VA, March 11-12, 2025. In collaboration with NADO, we invite EDA University Centers, university economic development officers, and key partners to hear from federal agencies and peers. This workshop-style conference will foster peer exchange and dialogue. Find out more on the event website.

Network Kansas Launches New Website

Network Kansas recently launched a new brand and website. The brand was redeveloped with entrepreneurs and resource partners in mind. Take a look at their new website at https://networkkansas.com.

Network Kansas is Growing

Network Kansas is looking for a full-time marketing associate. If you love content creation, social media, storytelling and event coverage, apply now.

Image of attendees from SourceLink 2023 Summit

Upcoming Events

March is Women's History Month
NACo 2025 Legislative Conference, March 1 - 4
SXSW 25, March 7 - 15
NLC Congressional City Conference, March 10 - 12
University Economic Development Association Summit, March 11 - 12
National SBDC Day, March 19
2025 LBAN Alumni Annual Conference, March 26
2025 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Summit, March 27

Visit our Calendar of Entrepreneurship & Economic Development Events to discover more information on these events and other conversations just on the horizon.

Discover Events

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