Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Entrepreneurial Ecosystems”

220: The Hidden Cost of Becoming Cool with Jon Roberts

Dane Carlson — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:15:00 -0500

In this episode Dane Carlson talks with Jon Roberts of TIP Strategies about his new book, The Cost of Cool: Austin's Tech Growth and the People Left Behind, and what Austin’s rise can teach economic developers everywhere.

They discuss how Austin became a tech and talent magnet, why that growth created real pressure around equity, housing, and displacement, and whether tech growth inevitably widens community divides.

Jon also explains why entrepreneurial ecosystems need more than enthusiasm, why universities and major companies matter, how communities like Green Bay and Racine County, Wisconsin are building on their own assets, and why economic developers need to think about AI, quantum computing, bioengineering, and the next wave of technology without forgetting the people who may be left behind.

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10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

Treat equity as a front-end strategy, not a cleanup project. If tech growth is coming, plan for housing, displacement, affordability, and access before the growth accelerates.
Be honest about the tradeoffs of tech growth. Jon argues that more tech investment has historically been linked with greater inequity, so economic developers should discuss that risk openly instead of assuming growth automatically benefits everyone.
Do not build an entrepreneurial strategy around vibes alone. Incubators and startup events help, but the conversation emphasized the importance of real links to research, tech transfer, and major corporate activity.
Know the assets you actually have. Green Bay's example shows that communities can build from distinctive local strengths, including major institutions or brands, instead of trying to copy Austin or Silicon Valley.
Create tight relationships with universities and companies, even if they are not in your backyard. Physical proximity may help, but the more important issue is whether the connection is real, active, and tied to specific development opportunities.
Use major projects as platforms, not endpoints. A data center complex, corporate investment, or innovation park should raise the question: "What turns this into something more?"
Protect vulnerable neighborhoods before market pressure arrives. Once high-income workers begin bidding up undervalued neighborhoods, the available responses become more limited.
Understand that "cool" is hard to manufacture. Austin's music, counterculture, local institutions, and "Keep Austin Weird" identity became part of its attraction, but they were not simply chamber-of-commerce slogans.
Keep a long view on technology. AI matters, but Jon cautions economic developers not to treat it as the final technological shift. Quantum computing, bioengineering, and other changes may be next.
Make the uncomfortable conversations part of the work. Questions about displacement, inequality, tech disruption, and who benefits from growth may not have easy answers, but avoiding them makes communities less prepared.

Special Guest: Jon Roberts.

199: How Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Can Transform Local Economies with Martin Vanags

Dane Carlson — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:15:00 -0600

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with economic development veteran and consultant Marty Vanags about Circles of Seven, a peer-based mentoring program designed to strengthen post-startup small businesses who often fall through the cracks of traditional support systems.

Marty explains how C7 groups work, why small businesses learn best from each other, and how these circles create long-lasting bonds that improve BRE, build confidence, and ultimately make communities more attractive to prospects. He also touches on Next Wave Leadership, the importance of in-person connection, and why economic developers should spend more time nurturing the businesses they already have.

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10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

Target the "liminal stage" -- businesses past the startup phase but not yet established need the most support and often have the fewest resources.
Build peer-to-peer programs, not just classes -- small businesses learn better from each other than from lectures.
Recruit strong facilitators, not "experts" -- a good mentor is a steady guide, not a guru.
Create predictable monthly prompts (articles, videos, questions) to spark meaningful discussion.
Require at least 30 minutes on the main topic so participants get what they came for.
Train facilitators in group dynamics, not business theory -- their job is to manage conversation, not teach.
Use C7-style programs as BRE tools -- they put you in front of businesses you rarely interact with.
Remember cash flow and time are always the biggest pain points for small businesses.
Encourage in-person interaction -- especially post-COVID, live meetings build deeper relationships and accountability.
Measure success by longevity -- if your groups keep meeting years later, your ecosystem is working.

Special Guest: Martin Vanags.

101: Entrepreneurs are Transforming Economic Development with Courtney Zaugg

Dane Carlson — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 00:15:00 -0500

In this riveting episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, host Dane Carlson chats with Courtney Zaugg, an industry expert in entrepreneurship and economic development. The two kick off their conversation with an exploration into the unique mindset of entrepreneurship, particularly the necessity of adaptability and the acceptance of failure. As they delve further, the discussion uncovers the limitations and inaccessibility of traditional venture capital for the majority of startups. Courtney offers insightful solutions, emphasizing the role of local banks and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in helping startups become bankable.

The conversation also takes a turn towards economic development, where Courtney expresses optimism about the industry's evolution and advocates for systemic change, particularly in distressed and rural communities. She further discusses potential partnerships between philanthropy, economic development, and entrepreneurship, introducing 'impact funds' as an innovative funding vehicle. Courtney insists on the importance of creating a well-structured entrepreneurial ecosystem and suggests practical steps communities can take to foster this development. The episode concludes with a discussion on the evolving landscape of higher education, and a reflection on Courtney's journey in pushing for systemic change.

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Special Guest: Courtney Zaugg.