That line about public funding creating headlines not outcomes? That stung, because it’s so accurate. The number of polished “innovation hubs” I’ve walked into, only to find whiteboards and warm coffee but zero strategy or accountability... painful.
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, over 50% of early-stage entrepreneurs globally cite lack of training and mentorship as their biggest barrier to growth:
My experience with too many innovation spaces is going to an event panel, where the discussion is inexperienced, misleading, and distracting. And I find that that is why so many entrepreneurs continue to cite that they're seeking training and mentorship; that, despite a city *thinking* they have that in place and that they're providing it (because of their support of that hub) - the local community and programming isn't delivering. It's theater that looks good, except to those doing the actual work of a startup.
Wow - this post hit a nerve (in the best way).
That line about public funding creating headlines not outcomes? That stung, because it’s so accurate. The number of polished “innovation hubs” I’ve walked into, only to find whiteboards and warm coffee but zero strategy or accountability... painful.
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, over 50% of early-stage entrepreneurs globally cite lack of training and mentorship as their biggest barrier to growth:
https://www.gemconsortium.org
My experience with too many innovation spaces is going to an event panel, where the discussion is inexperienced, misleading, and distracting. And I find that that is why so many entrepreneurs continue to cite that they're seeking training and mentorship; that, despite a city *thinking* they have that in place and that they're providing it (because of their support of that hub) - the local community and programming isn't delivering. It's theater that looks good, except to those doing the actual work of a startup.
Grateful for the inclusion, Paul!
Cheers JT