Entrepreneurship as a Community Catalyst

POC Collaborative Community Resource Center is committed to pursuing business

and economic development in communities of color utilizing an entrepreneurship

ecosystem lens. While “entrepreneurship” is mostly associated with for-profit

businesses, we believe that entrepreneurs can launch for-profit, nonprofit, or hybrid,

social enterprises. All of which can have a significant impact on communities of color

resulting in new opportunities and challenges for business leaders and the

community itself.

Opportunities in Entrepreneurship

Job Creation: Entrepreneurs often start small businesses that create jobs in the

community, which can help reduce unemployment rates and stimulate economic

growth.

Innovation: Entrepreneurs are often driven by the desire to solve problems and

create new products and services. This drive for innovation can result in the

development of new technologies, products, and services that can benefit the

community. Additionally, entrepreneurs can provide access to goods and services

that may not have been previously available, and drive economic growth in the

community.

Community Development: Small businesses owned by entrepreneurs can help

revitalize and strengthen the local community. They can provide goods and services

that may not have been previously available and help support other local businesses

through partnerships and collaborations.

Social Impact: Many entrepreneurs are motivated by a desire to create social impact

and address social and environmental issues in their communities. This can result in

the development of businesses that are focused on sustainability, social justice, and

other important issues.

Inspiration and Role Models: Entrepreneurs of color can also serve as role models

and inspire others to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures, which can lead to

the development of a more robust and diverse business ecosystem.

Challenges with Entrepreneurship

However, there are also challenges and barriers that entrepreneurs of color may face,

such as limited access to capital, discrimination, and systemic inequalities. These

barriers can prevent entrepreneurs of color from fully realizing their potential and

may result in fewer businesses being started and fewer jobs being created.

Additionally, when entrepreneurs of color are successful, they may face challenges

related to gentrification and displacement, as rising property values and rents may

make it more difficult for longtime residents to afford to live in the community.

Overall, while entrepreneurship can have a positive impact on communities of color,

it is important to address the systemic barriers that prevent equal access to

opportunities and resources, to promote more inclusive and equitable economic

development.

Learn more about our Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Building efforts.

POC Collaborative Community Resource Center is an Omaha-based 501(c)(3)

nonprofit organization that serves as a centralized hub for training, resources,

support, and learning related to forming, launching, and operating a for-profit,

nonprofit, or social enterprise business.