Free Ticket to GEC, Let’s Celebrate Economic Development + Small Business Weeks, Libraries Impact on Entrepreneurship, + More

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Quarterly Conversation Recap: We Love️ Libraries

Libraries have transformed into vibrant community hubs that support entrepreneurs and small business owners through access to market research tools, co-working spaces, and events like workshops and networking sessions.

For our first quarterly conversation of 2025, Shamichael Hallman of the Urban Libraries Council highlighted how public libraries contribute to entrepreneurial ecosystems, including tools like the Business Value Calculator, which measures their economic impact. Ashley Muffitt from Mid-Continent Library’s Square One Small Business Resource Center in Kansas City also shared how her library offers one-on-one support, outreach events, and valuable business resources to help local entrepreneurs thrive.

Missed the event? Don’t worry—we’ve captured all the highlights in our latest recap blog.

It's Almost Time for GEC 2025

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is right around the corner! Join global entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders for an unforgettable week of insights, networking, and collaboration.

Be sure to mark your calendar for our SourceLink-sponsored panel on Tuesday, June 3 at 3:00 PM: 

What’s Next: Future Entrepreneurship Economic Development

Hear from leading voices shaping the future of innovative entrepreneurship development:

Denisse Rodriguez, Executive Director, Colmena66 – Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
Mark Burdette, WV BusinessLink Program Coordinator – West Virginia Department of Economic Development
Stephanie DeVane, VP of Entrepreneurship and Business Development – National Urban League
Lomax R. Campbell, President and CEO – Third Eye Network
Moderated by Maria Meyers, Founder – SourceLink

We’re also planning an exclusive SourceLink networking session—be on the lookout for more details.

From capital access and investment readiness to building more connected ecosystems, GEC 2025 is where the future of entrepreneurship takes shape. Plus, help shape the global Vision 2035 roadmap to guide innovation into the next decade.

There’s still time to get your free registration! We’ve only got a limited number of free registration codes available, so click the button below to request yours or email us at help@joinsourcelink.com.

Economic Development Week All Year Long 

This year, the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Economic Development Week takes place May 12-16. The event is meant to celebrate and share economic development successes from the year. Check out our blog on what economic development week is all about and take some inspiration on how to shoutout the important work your community is doing all year long.  

Celebrating National Small Business Week 

The first week of May is National Small Business Week and it’s the perfect opportunity to show entrepreneurs in your community some love by promoting them on social media, shopping local or hosting an event. Join the SBA in giving all small businesses the recognition and support they deserve. Not sure what National Small Business Week is or how to celebrate? Check out our blog.

Small Business Week in Rochester

To celebrate their local small businesses, Rochester, NY is hosting National Small Business Week Rochester, a joint initiative of the ROC Business Resource Partnership. Check out what they’re planning to bring exposure to and celebrate their entrepreneurial community.

Bridging Innovation Week in West Virginia

Our friends at West Virginia BusinessLink are once again preparing for Bridging Innovation Week, the state’s entrepreneurship event. The annual symposium advances entrepreneurship-led economic development by providing connection and education to business owners, current and prospective entrepreneurs, and entrepreneur serving organizations (ESOs) throughout West Virginia. See how they’re planning to celebrate.

Networked for Change Conference 2025

The 4th Annual Networked for Change Conference, co-sponsored by Network Kansas along with the Networked Partnership for Community Investment, will be held May 22 in Wichita, Kansas. This conference theme, Partner with Purpose, features speakers, interactive huddles where problem-solving replaces lectures and where intentional networking leads to relevant resource connections. The 2025 featured topics for urban and rural communities include: health access, community development, economic development, healthy food & kitchen incubators, innovation & entrepreneurship, youth and education, and business capital.

UMKC Innovation Center Position Opening

Our UMKC Innovation Center is seeking a Network Convener for our affiliate, KCSourceLink, a Senior Program Coordinator for our Tech Venture Studio program, and a Senior Business Support Specialist. If you know someone looking to connect and engage with entrepreneurs and resource partners in the Kansas City, MO area, have them apply! We’d love to have you join our team.

Kansas Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference

A first-in-Kansas conference dedicated to supporting rural entrepreneurship will bring together people from across the state this summer. The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference promotes small communities and highlights people, businesses and best practices for creating an entrepreneurial mindset. All Kansans are invited to attend the conference, which will occur from June 25-27 in Kingman. Learn more about the conference, view the schedule and register to attend.

May is AAPI Heritage Month
National Small Business Week, May 4 - 10
Economic Development Week, May 12 - 16
10th Midwest Symposium on Social Entrepreneurship, May 16
Inventures, May 21 - 23
Memorial Day, May 26
Global Entrepreneurship Congress, June 2 - 5

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

Click on the icons above to find out how SourceLink can help you strengthen your entrepreneurial community.

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