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Investing in Entrepreneurs: A Strategic Approach for Strengthening Your Regional and Community Economy
Author(s): Gregg A. Lichtenstein (Author), Thomas S. Lyons (Author)
- Publisher: Praeger
- Publication Date: August 19, 2010
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 224 pages
- ISBN-10: 0313382921
- ISBN-13: 9780313382925
Book Description
A compelling argument for placing entrepreneurship at the heart of economic development provides a guidebook for how this can be done efficiently, effectively, and equitably.
Investing in Entrepreneurs: A Strategic Approach for Strengthening Your Regional and Community Economy offers a compelling argument for making the support of entrepreneurship the centerpiece of local and regional economic development―and provides a plan to make it happen. The book is organized around a tool, developed by the authors, that permits a community to strategically map and manage its business assets in a way that can transform its economy.
Investing in Entrepreneurs begins with a reflection on the importance of entrepreneurship, a discussion of its diminished place in economic development, and a call for its rise back to prominence. The importance of managing entrepreneurial assets is discussed, followed by a thorough articulation of the author’s tool for accomplishing this in a holistic and strategic manner. Examples drawn from the authors’ fieldwork illustrate the many ways in which the tool can be utilized to guide economic development efforts. A final chapter discusses possible resistance to this innovation and how that resistance can be successfully addressed.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“This is a thought-provoking treatment of entrepreneurship that seeks no less than to transform the practice of economic development. The authors provide valid criticism of current local economic developers’ understanding of the role of entrepreneurs. Their ‘Pipeline of Entrepreneurs’ concept can help both economic developers and entrepreneurs develop successful strategies for realizing the true potential of entrepreneurship so critically needed in today’s local economy.” –Nancey Green Leigh, Georgia Institute of Technology Professor and co-author of
Planning Local Economic Development“
Investing in Entrepreneurs is instructional, insightful and highly rational, taking a common-sense approach to what has been an oxymoronic topic–the training of entrepreneurs. Lichtenstein and Lyons’ concept of assessing skill levels in entrepreneurs, and then ‘pitching’ the appropriate battery of services to them is elementary, yet groundbreaking. My new goal in life is to make the Major League before I retire!” –Jeffrey A. Miller, Entrepreneur, CEO of Partyspace.com and JAM Catering“Lichtenstein and Lyons use their substantial experiences in working directly with entrepreneurs to re-conceptualize the process of local economic development. Using a case studies approach complemented with their entrepreneurial league system, the authors explain failures and successes of efforts to encourage business growth. This book will help economic development decision-makers better allocate their energy and financial resources.” –Scott Loveridge, Ph.D., Professor of Regional Development, Dept. Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University
About the Author
Gregg A. Lichtenstein, PhD, is president of Collaborative Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in working with entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and in strategic alliances.
Thomas S. Lyons, PhD, is the Lawrence N. Field Family Chair in Entrepreneurship and professor of management in the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College of the City University of New York. Dr. Lyons coauthored Creating an Economic Development Action Plan and Financing Small Business in America.
