Make Startups Executive Fellowship: How ESO's Found Their Superpower
Entrepreneurship can feel like a superhero origin story—complete with unexpected twists, challenges, and the ever-present question: “How do I make this work?” The Make Startups Executive Fellowship (MSEF) participants dove headfirst into this adventure, coming out on the other side with insights, tools, and strategies that transformed their organizations and themselves. Armed with a grant from EBLN (Ecosystem Building Leadership Network), the Fellowship launched in March 2024 after an extensive application and interview process, 17 applicants from 10 states were accepted into the 6 month Fellowship. With two in-person convenings, we collaborated, innovated and shared peer-to-peer support for the emerging field of ESO's and some funding models to support this under-resourced profession.
Here are the key takeaways from their journey.
1. Activating your Ecosystem’s Resources: Your Ultimate Framework
“The MSEF Fellowship opened my eyes to how interconnected the entrepreneurship ecosystem is. From workforce development boards to government-funded programs, everything plays a role in supporting business creation.”
The entrepreneurship ecosystem is like a universe of interconnecting forces. MSEF participants quickly learned how credentialing serves as an organizing framework to align those forces in a common direction to support founders and unlock capital. Local governments, educational institutions, workforce boards, lenders, and investors all play critical roles. Creating a common language and data model that is shared between these entities can mean the difference between gaining recurring support systems and getting lost in competitive grant cycles. By understanding how to align these diverse stakeholders, participants unlocked opportunities and support systems that were previously invisible.
2. Workforce Development Systems: The Hidden Superpower
"The Fellowship has been invaluable in helping me build a strong network of like-minded entrepreneurs and resource providers who are just as committed to seeing my business succeed."
What’s one of the best-kept secrets in entrepreneurship? Program funding in the public and private sector that support Workforce Development and economic mobility services. Fellows discovered how game-changing these programs, especially the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), can be. They learned how the industry credentialing allows their organization to tap into resources that helped build stronger teams and more sustainable businesses. Providing access to technical assistance tools also provided the evidence needed to track the entrepreneurs journey for stakeholders that care about these metrics. Now they’re armed with the knowledge to access vital workforce channels at the state and local level, boosting their programs and organizations with the right people and skills to improve outcomes.
3. Navigating Policy and Funding: Power Moves for Growth
Navigating the intersection of policy and funding felt like mastering a new superpower for the fellows. Learning about Employment and Training Provider List (ETPL) became essential tools in their toolkit, opening doors to funding opportunities at the state level that many didn’t even know existed. Every state has workforce development initiatives and funding, so understanding how to access this resource is vital for the communities they serve. This funding is all ultimately allocated at the local level by a workforce board made up of many of the same stakeholders essential to a startup ecosystem, including elected officials, economic developers, banks, and community business leaders. However, while entrepreneurs are actually creating their own job, they don’t currently have a seat at the table when funds are being allocated to support skills training. That’s where ESO’s come in.
4. Advocacy and Government Support: Becoming a Voice for Change
”Economic development is not for the faint of heart, but knowing I had an ally within Make Startups to help me become a better advocate for the entrepreneurs I steward here in Philadelphia has given me immense confidence. The practical and accessible approach to pursuing WIOA funds, which once seemed daunting, was taught to me throughout the fellowship. This experience has enriched my professional career, and I am utterly grateful. I encourage other practitioners to apply for the next executive fellowship experience.”
One of the biggest lessons? Learning how ESO advocacy can contribute to the state and local policy landscape when it comes to supporting founders and support programs. MSEF taught participants to confidently engage with local governments and using their voices to shape policies that support entrepreneurship. This newfound ability to advocate for change means they can create a more supportive environment not just for themselves, but for future startups in their communities.
5. Building Collaborative Networks: Strength in Numbers
"MSEF is an exceptional fellowship to learn and dive deeper into the entrepreneurship ecosystem! The fellowship has taught me so much as an underserved entrepreneur myself and to invest in other underinvested entrepreneurs to build wealth and create quality jobs to assist community members and their families to get out of poverty!”
No superhero works alone. MSEF emphasized the importance of building strong networks. Whether it’s finding mentors, connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, or partnering with key stakeholders, collaboration is crucial. With credentialing frameworks in hand, these ESO's are plugged into a powerful network that’s helping them take their ventures to new heights.
We conducted our in person convenings at InBia in San Antonio Texas, and Startup Champions Network in Virginia to broaden our network and introduce organizations to a new group of ESO's!
MSEF participants didn’t just survive the entrepreneurship ecosystem—they thrived. With new tools, strategies, and a supportive network, they’re now equipped to make bold moves in their businesses and beyond. The adventure continues as we look forward to launching MSEF 2.0 in 2025, stay tuned!
Make Startups Executive Fellowship Inaugural Cohort
Naila Jackson (Alabama)
Lloyd Reshard (Florida)
Tricia Teague (Illinois)
Jared Ell, Nikeshia Fomby, Rhonda Ladig, and Marty Mechtenberg (Indiana)
Larry Horn (Kentucky)
Cuong Quy Huynh (Michigan)
Arsh Haque (Oregon)
Tanya Morris, Tiffany Spraggins, and Thomas Webster(Pennsylvania)
Holly Burrow, Darlisa Diltz, and Ren Mitchell (Texas)
Scott Mosley (Wisconsin)