Cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in an underserved area: The story of one university’s engagement

Research supports the role of entrepreneurship in economic development, but it is rarely the efforts of the sole entrepreneur that effect success, rather the interplay of several elements in an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The term ecosystem has come to mean the connection and interactions between cultural contexts, social networks, resource providers, and economic policies that create an environment that either supports or hinders entrepreneurial growth, ultimately impacting overall wellbeing and quality of life. There has been an increasing call for universities and in particular, business schools to consider how they can positively impact their communities. This paper reviews the elements of entrepreneurial ecosystems, outlines challenges in underserved communities, and shares the experience of one school in making an impact to date through its outreach activities.