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With the outcome of the U.S. presidential election now known, we confront the challenge of how our nation’s civic fabric – stretched so severely in this tumultuous election season – can regain its shape. Will the U.S. descend into an endless campaign season – a never-ending electoral loop – or will we seek opportunities for policy changes that can benefit everyone?
A Quiet Bipartisan Momentum Grows to Support Entrepreneurship
Inc. Article
Even in these politically divided times new polling shows strong bipartisan interest in helping founders start and grow companies.
AI Funding Booms, Everything Else Swoons. A Look at the State of Entrepreneurship
Inc. Article
There's no stopping startups, but they continue to face headwinds and fundraising difficulties. And the upcoming election could throw everything into flux.
#GEC2023 Day 3: Research, Reform, Bad Ideas, And Conflict
Inc. Article
Preposterously Bad Ideas Still Circulate About Entrepreneurship Policy … This agenda is populated by ideas that have either been proven wrong already or go so against the grain of what entrepreneurship is about that it’s hard to believe they’re still seriously considered.
Kansas City Replaces Interstate Rivalry With Collaboration to Help Entrepreneurs
Inc. Article
Once they competed to lure businesses and jobs across state lines. Now Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, offer a new model for regional economic development.
Curbing the SBA, Taking on China, and Other Small-Business Policies GOP Candidates Are Eyeing
Inc. Article
Four GOP candidates for president laid out some of their small-business objectives. Not everything discussed is exactly small-business friendly.
Is Entrepreneurship A Human Right? This Longtime Champion Believes It Should Be.
New Builders Dispatch Feature
Supporting the Right to Start
Startup Champions Network Feature
Three years ago, SCN Member Victor Hwang launched a new initiative and organization based on a single, but powerful premise: Everyone has the right to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams… a Right to Start.
Leveling the Playing Field in Entrepreneurship wth Right to Start
Founded Connect Podcast Interview
Raleigh Founded's recent partner, Right to Start, is fighting for your right to pursue your dreams, build a business, earn a living. We dive into their efforts to unleash entrepreneurial opportunity for everyone.
Emerging Now: The Legislative Reform Movement for Entrepreneurs
Inc. Feature
It's time that entrepreneurs and small-business owners had advocates in government who appreciate the crucial role that new companies play in our society.
Business Friendly Cities: How Modern One-Stop Shops Foster Business Success
National League of Cities Interview
And yet, when we survey local governments, there is near consensus: It is not easy for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
Here is the hard truth. Entrepreneurs in your community are struggling through dozens of regulations, paying thousands of dollars in fees, and investing months of their time to do something we all want to accelerate — provide quality services, hire new employees, and pay local taxes.
On the one hand, entrepreneurs are told that they are welcome and desired, while on the other, they face delays and complications when working with their local government.
The FTC’s proposed ban on noncompete agreements matches what voters want
The Hill Article
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed on Jan. 5 to ban noncompete clauses, “which hurt workers and harm competition.
What’s Cooking? How Shared Kitchens Can Boost Local Entrepreneurship
Governing Article
Food-related businesses are especially accessible for aspiring entrepreneurs, but there aren’t nearly enough shared-use food facilities.
How Design Thinking Can Help Lower the Poverty Rate
Inc. Article
Marshall University works to instill this approach in a new generation of entrepreneurs.
The State of American Entrepreneurship is Strong
Inc. Article
A road trip through America's Heartland reveals entrepreneurial optimism.
A New Study Shows a Strong Belief in Entrepreneurship Among Most Americans
Inc. Article
Amid political polarization, small business creation provides unity.
More Americans Are Embracing Entrepreneurship
Times of Entrepreneurship Article
During the pandemic, business starts surged. New data adds more to the story.
Opening a Restaurant in Boston Takes 92 Steps, 22 Forms, 17 Office Visits, and $5,554 in 12 Fees. Why?
Inc. Article
It's nearly just as bad in San Francisco, Detroit, Atlanta, and many other U.S. cities. The time is now to remove needless barriers to the American Dream. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Will the startup revival last?
Technical.ly Article
Entrepreneurship has boomed after decades of decline. Culture has shifted, but we can’t squander the moment.
Technical.ly CEO Interviews Victor Hwang: Will the Startup Revival Last?
Technical.ly Article
Right to Start CEO Victor Hwang speaks with Technical.ly CEO Chris Wink.
Right to Start’s COO Kim Lane: “It’s time we live up to the original promise of America.”
Growth Pioneers Podcast
Right to Start's COO Kim Lane talked with Doug Erwin, host of the nationally syndicated Growth Pioneers podcast, about the realities facing entrepreneurs at the local and national levels. (Photo Credit: Growth Pioneers)
14 states that make it easier to launch your business with startup tax credits and fewer licensing restrictions
Business Insider Article
If you're considering starting a business, like the 5.4 million Americans who did last year, the ease of the process varies depending on where you live. (Photo Credit: Mike Harrington/Getty)
Yes, the Startup Rate Is Booming. But It's Still Way Too Hard to Become Your Own Boss
Inc. Article
Amid the great resignation, more people are starting companies. But the barriers to success remain for small business.
Meet the 30+ leaders bringing company-building lessons at Technical.ly’s Introduced conference
Technical.ly Article
These entrepreneurs and HR pros shared a hybrid stage for the May 12 event during the 12th annual Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast. (Photo Credit: Technical.ly)
2021 Retail Therapy: Help Your Local Small Businesses Recover
Inc. Article
Actually, it's not just the thought that counts. Your actions matter. Choose your neighbor, not Amazon.
Entrepreneurship Is on the Rise, Despite COVID-19
Reason Quote
Necessity became opportunity for many who started businesses.
SBA Summit: Unleashing Entrepreneurial Innovation
U.S. Small Business Administration Panel
Victor W Hwang, CEO of Right to Start & Author of "The Rainforest" talks about some of the amazing things coming out of the Innovation Economy.
Why Making Entrepreneurship a Community Priority Is Key to America's Economic Recovery
Inc. Article
The time is ripe to take a fresh look at the critical role that business owners will play in the post-Covid economic recovery.
Why do the Media Always Pit Labor Against Capital
TechCrunch Quote
Victor Hwang described the capital-versus-labor debate as “the biggest false narrative out there. It’s an artificial narrative that we’ve created: employer versus employee; big versus small; corporation versus worker.”
States are About to See a Historic Infusion of Funding to Help Entrepreneurs
Route Fifty Column
Column: Victor Hwang shares his advice on how states can invest the $10 Billion in stimulus money coming to them
Local Coverage
Report: Oakland County has Largest Number of Microbusinesses in Michigan
DBusiness Magazine Article
Right to Start, a national nonprofit organization championing entrepreneurship as a civic priority, has unveiled new data on entrepreneurship in Michigan, providing a snapshot county by county.
North Carolina bill aims to get main street startups tax deferrals
TRIANGLEINNO Article
Photo Credit - David Purtell
A new bill introduced in the North Carolina Senate is intended to make it easier to start new businesses in the state.
Arkansas should make entrepreneurship for women a priority
Talk Business & Politics Op-Ed
According to research from Boston Consulting Group, the global economy could experience up to a $5 trillion boost if female entrepreneurs received as much funding as male entrepreneurs.
Building New Mexico's tech ecosystem: One-on-one with Elizabeth Kuuttila of UNM Rainforest Innovations
New Mexico Inno Article
“The city of Albuquerque and Rainforest Innovations are partners with Right to Start … [that will] culminate in a summit this fall... We're going to be making some recommendations to the Legislature about simple things that could be done.” (Photo Credit: UNM Rainforest Innovations)
Nashville entrepreneurship program to graduate 150 students
NashvillePost Article
Corner to Corner, a local faith-based nonprofit organization, has announced that 150 students are graduating Tuesday from The Academy, a 10-week entrepreneurship training program. The organization helps entrepreneurs plan, start and grow their businesses by teaching them different skills. (Photo Credit: Nashville Post)
'Amazing': The Academy entrepreneur program hosts largest graduation yet in Nashville
The Tennessean Article
The Academy, an entrepreneur program designed to benefit low-income communities, held its largest graduation yet on Tuesday with 150 graduates. (Photo Credit: Logan Washburn)
Make the process of starting a business less paralyzing
Talk Business & Politics Op-Ed
Right to Start Advocates Irma Chavez and Daymara Baker highlighted progress by the City of Fayetteville towards removing regulatory barriers for local entrepreneurs, then outlined three steps that all communities can take towards similar progress.
University students win big at the 2022 Pitch Deck Competition
Univesrity of New Mexico News
After an inspiring evening at the Lobo Rainforest Building, five university students went home with cash prizes after pitching their innovative business and startup ideas to an audience of supporters, investors, and business community.
ABQ can make farmers markets dynamic pipelines for small business
Albuquerque Journal Column
Farmers’ markets offer spectacular food and other local products, and they provide an extraordinary vehicle for promoting new business growth. That latter role is often overlooked when it should be more highly prized by local policymakers.
‘We need everyone on the field’: Shevrin Jones stresses urgency ahead of re-election campaign launch
Florida Politics Article
Atop [Jones’] list of legislative priorities is the “Florida Right to Start Act.” The measure, which Jones sponsored during the last Legislative Session, would enable small businesses to forgo some of the fees they’d otherwise have to pay while competing for government contracts. (Photo credit: Colin Hackley for Florida Politics)
Groups back omnibus business legislation
News Tribune Article
A wide-ranging business bill would help level the playing field …[and] include the Right-To-Start Act requiring the commissioner of Administration to file reports on contracts and resources for Missouri businesses that have been in operation for less than three years.
Missouri House considers incentives for entrepreneurs, small businesses
News Tribune Article
Known as the Right to Start Act, the bill would reduce the first $100,000 of any remaining income tax for limited liability companies (LLCs) by 20 percent the first three years the business is in operation. Corporations would receive a 1 percent incentive up to $100,000 for their first three years. (Photo Credit: News Tribune)
Inside a Community-Driven Campaign to Unleash Entrepreneurial Opportunity
Walton Family Foundation Column
In Northwest Arkansas, Right to Start amplifies the voices of underserved entrepreneurs and helps remove barriers to their success.
Small purchases can energize entrepreneurship in Arkansas
Talk Business & Politics Column
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us how vital and vulnerable America’s small businesses are. But, fortunately, small changes in how and where we buy goods can energize entrepreneurship throughout Arkansas – and the nation.
UNM, city join to spur NM entrepreneurship
Albuquerque Journal Article
The University of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque are partnering on a new “Right to Start” initiative to help boost entrepreneurship among local communities.
Miami should set the pace nationally for diversifying access to capital
Refresh Miami Column
While Miami has become a global center for entrepreneurship, access to capital remains a looming hurdle for small businesses and minority tech founders.
Loans given to 17 Black women-owned businesses
News 4 Nashville Column
Seventeen Black women who own businesses were awarded loans on Thursday to help their businesses grow during this challenging time.
Give small businesses a break in paying startup costs
Talk Business & Politics Column
As America slowly emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses deserve special attention.
Right to Start initiative to support entrepreneurship and growth in New Mexico
UNM Rainforest Innovations Article
UNM Rainforest Innovations and the City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department are jointly financing the Right to Start movement which is a campaign to rebuild the American economy by making entrepreneurial opportunity a top priority in every community.
First-ever ”Right to Start Act” Would Ban Non-competes, Establish MO Office of Entrepreneurship
Startland News Article
Newly filed legislation in Missouri would give a boost to Show-Me State entrepreneurs — or at least spark a robust conversation about how policy can support new business and hiring growth, said Travis Fitzwater.
New Entrepreneur Advocacy Group Marries Heavy Hitters with Grassroots Activism
Daily Record Coverage
Looking to accelerate and amplify the plight of America’s entrepreneurs is the goal of Kansas City-based Right to Start. The non-profit, which recently established operations in Arkansas, seeks to bring issues facing entrepreneurs top-of-mind among legislators and other community stakeholders.
A Small-Business Agenda for New York’s Next Mayor
The Manhattan Institute Quote
Entrepreneurship is a crucial route to opportunity, particularly for historically marginalized communities. Small business is an engine of growth and renewal that will be all the more vital after the Covid-19 pandemic.
CEO Victor Hwang offers his take on how entrepreneurship will fare post-pandemic
The 21 Hats Morning Report Mention
The structural issues that were discouraging entrepreneurship before the pandemic will still be there after the pandemic: “What we are discussing, [Right to Start CEO Victor] Hwang said, is less the failure in one sector or class of business than something larger: the slow withering of an entire ecosystem.
Q&A with Andrew Yang: How small business can restart the US economy
Startland News Interview
Q&A-style interview between Victor Hwang, founder and CEO of the Right to Start movement, and Andrew Yang, former presidential candidate and founder of Venture for America.
Minority businesses: Wounded by COVID, but key to inclusive revival
The Connecticut Mirror Quote
Victor Hwang, Founder/ CEO of Right to Start is quoted in an article about the struggle of small minority-owned businesses during the pandemic.
How Entrepreneurs Can Rescue the American Economy
Arizona State University Talk
Presented by The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University, join Victor Hwang, founder and author, in a discussion about how to empower entrepreneurial opportunity for everyone.
How Mayors Support Startup Economies
Startup Week Chattanooga 2020 Featured Event
This panel was organized & sponsored by Startup Champs, a prelaunch consultancy aiding high-net-worth to Fortune 1000 clients worldwide develop customized, data-driven strategies for accelerating pre-orders before launching new companies.
Becoming an Ally
Kansas City Business Journal Coverage
Those who know share how KC can better connect with and support minority entrepreneurs. Minority owners say they often feel left out of Kansas City's vaunted small business support system. Here's how that can change.
Victor Hwang's Right to Start wants to foster national entrepreneurial movement
Kansas City Business Journal Coverage
Victor Hwang talks about his new nonprofit and how it plans to foster entrepreneurship nationwide.
We Are All Starters
Washington State University’s Fuse Excerpt
Washington University's FUSE publishes an excerpt of the Right to Start Manifesto, highlighting Victor Hwang CEO and Founder of Right to Start.