Strengths build upon strengths.
Every community has its own culture, economy, and strengths. Building on these is key to boosting future prosperity. Instead of starting from scratch, economic vitality grows best when it highlights what makes a community special and shares those traits with others. The Entrepreneurial Communities Activation Process (ECAP) program helps Nebraska communities grow their economy by tapping into their unique culture and past successes. ECAP empowers community members to lead the way in shaping their economic future. Prosperity isn’t instant; it’s a journey, and ECAP helps communities set action-based goals to get where they want to be.
WHAT HAS WORKED?
Community conversations are at the heart of ECAP. Led by an RPN Extension educator, these talks use “appreciative inquiry” to start residents thinking about what they love about their community. What makes it special? What’s been successful before? This process highlights what a community already has going for it and sets the stage for growth. It reminds residents that while there’s always room to improve, they’re starting from a place of strength. Having seen success before, they can easily envision a brighter future for their community.
WHAT CAN WORK?
With success as a foundation, residents start imagining what they want their community’s future to look like. These discussions focus on their vision for the coming months, years, and decades. Guided by RPN Extension educators, but driven by local ideas, these conversations lead to realistic growth plans that build on existing leadership, economic strengths, and innovative mindsets. Each community’s plan is unique, reflecting its distinct needs and desires. ECAP ensures that the actions taken come directly from what the residents want for their future.
WHAT’S NEXT?
ECAP reminds Nebraskans that prosperity is achievable—and it’s a process. Whether short- or long-term, the action plans that emerge from community discussions are what turn ideas into real results. In this phase, residents decide on the most practical steps to take. How do we prepare for Plan A? Who’s involved? What funding is needed? What does success look like? This is when communities take full ownership of the actions that shape their future. Together, neighbors activate their community to not only envision prosperity, but to achieve it.
Eight Entrepreneurial Community Characteristics
COMMUNITY VISION
Communities with a strong vision and clear goals have a vibrant strategic plan that moves them on a pathway to success.
LEADERSHIP
Each entrepreneurial community develop its own approach to leadership, building on the unique strengths of the community.
CULTURE OF CHANGE
Driven by those committed to their community’s future, a culture of change supports innovation and new enterprises.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Supporting social services, schools, hospitals, and more, distribution of goods and services is the purpose of a community’s infrastructure.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Support services support entrepreneurs of all types when they need it and in the way that is most useful for them.
DIGITAL CONNECTION
Entrepreneurial communities create a vision that includes increasing broadband adoption, usage, and connectivity.
SENSE OF PLACE
A sense of place includes characteristics create a community’s identity, a sense of pride, and a history of belonging among residents.
EDUCATION/ WORKFORCE IQ
Entrepreneurial communities utilize the creative capital of their residents to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Contact
MARILYN SCHLAKE
RPN Extension Educator
402-472-4138
mschlake1@unl.edu