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The Ecosystem Builder's Edge: Celebrating One Year of Building Together
Published 11 days ago • 4 min read
"The only way you survive is you continuously transform into something else. It's this idea of continuous transformation that makes you an innovation company."
— Ginni Rometty
Welcome to The Ecosystem Builder's Edge Anniversary Edition January 2025
When I launched The Ecosystem Builder's Edge on January 3, 2024, the mission was clear: share field-tested strategies and actionable insights for innovation ecosystem builders, focusing on practical approaches that drive real results. One year later, I'm humbled and energized by how this uplifting community has grown and the impact we're creating together.
A Year of Transformation
This year has been transformative for place-based innovation across the US, the field of ecosystem building and this newsletter. From large scale national program investments, to launching regional initiatives, we've witnessed the power of collaborative innovation in action and along with it substantial growth.
10 Highlights I'm Celebrating from 2024
2024 was a year of transformation and exploration as I took on new challenges and grew personally and professionally.
Launched The Ecosystem Builder's Edge Newsletter on January 3, 2024, creating a mechanism to share battle-tested strategies, actionable insights and bring together other ecosystem builders on the cutting edge of the field.
Chaired Orlando Tech Community's Tech Connect Committee in collaboration with Dawn Haynes (President of OTC and CEO at StarterStudio), identifying 10 essential stakeholder groups critical to innovation ecosystems and mapping more than 1,000 of these stakeholders in the Orlando region on an interactive map.
Consulted on a comprehensive Collective Impact Strategy including prioritized funding sources for a regional organization with more than 20 engaged partners to strengthen their innovation ecosystem development.
Developed two full proposals for the SBA's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition and collaborated on several other proposals working to secure resources for ecosystem builders nationally. Wrote multiple successful funding proposals to Bank Foundations, leveraging Community Reinvestment Act dollars toward non-profit ecosystem building efforts.
Joined The Engine Accelerator team full time in June 2024 to support execution of The Builder Platform, a human-centered network designed to support the inaugural National Science Foundation's Regional innovation Engines. Learn more about our 2024 impact here.
Completed The Creator MBA Program by Justin Welsh to advance my skills in creating financially sustainable online communities powered by efficient systems. I applied this learning to The Ecosystem Builder's Edge newsletter and my website, as well as in my full-time role to advance our mission.
Co-led the development The Builder Platform's ecosystem building framework, CRM system, KPIs and reporting systems while serving as the lead for Use-Inspired R&D Builder Group and developing sessions on key topics such as financial sustainability.
Engaged in Venn Collaborative's C-Cubed Learning Roundtables, an 8 week peer learning group designed for ecosystem builders to connect with others in the field nationally and accountability to have more meaningful conversations in their ecosystems.
Led a dynamic panel at Roadmap Summit in DC focused on advancing the field of ecosystem building alongside industry leaders from the Ecosystem Building Leadership Network.
By the Numbers
In one year, The Ecosystem Builder's Edge has had a:
300% growth in newsletter subscribers (welcome, and thanks for being on the journey!)
30 issues published including 12+ curated events featured, 20+ funding opportunities shared and 60+ news updates delivered
A 60% average open rate
A series on funding your ecosystem in collaboration with Ecomap Technologies
Countless encouraging messages, notes of camaraderie and stimulating conversations
The best part of writing this newsletter has been hearing from you! With each issue, I get 2 or 3 heartfelt replies that the content resonated, helped you better articulate or identify a challenge or made you feel less alone in this critical work. Here are a few fun things you've said:
"This is awesome! KUDOS!!!! I just subscribed. While I haven't taken a deep dive, I LOVE the 15 tips to prioritize well being! This IS SO VITAL!"
"I've been following your Ecosystem Builder's Edge newsletter for a while now, and I really love your content and the expertise that you share there."
"Can we hire you to make some content for us?"
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
As we enter our second year, we're committed supporting ecosystem builders with practical insights and strategies. Here's what you can expect:
Monthly updates on key insights with funding opportunities and events
Deep dives into successful regional innovation strategies
New tools and frameworks for ecosystem mapping and measurement
Updates on emerging trends and initiatives in ecosystem building
Thank You + Let's Build Together
This newsletter exists because of you - the builders, innovators, and change-makers who show up every day to strengthen your communities. Your feedback, engagement, and shared wisdom have made The Ecosystem Builder's Edge what it is today. Your notes mean the world, so please to this email and let us know what you'd like to see more of in 2025.
Share your ecosystem building story
Submit news and opportunities
Say hi at an upcoming event
Send a resource that has been particularly helpful
Focus: Lab to Market (National and economic security; domestic manufacturing and production; biotechnology; other critical and emerging technologies) or Capital Formation (creating new funding mechanisms; developing more financial stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem; improving investment literacy among entrepreneurs; other mechanisms focused on addressing challenges to investment access for entrepreneurs and small businesses)
P.S. These are tools we trust that help keep this newsletter Airtable: The backbone of all our ecosystem mapping and business systems Creator MBA: Where I learned how to build stronger communities online C-Cube Proven framework for having more meaningful ecosystem conversations
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