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Empowering Communities Through Entrepreneurship

In a significant move to bolster local economies and inspire entrepreneurship, 116 mayors from 33 states and Puerto Rico have stepped forward as the Founding Mayors of the America the Entrepreneurial initiative. This campaign, launched by the nonprofit Right to Start and the alliance More Perfect, emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth across America.

When one thinks of the foundation upon which the United States was built, the entrepreneurial spirit stands out prominently. As these mayors embark on their collective journey, their goal is to rekindle that spirit, further embedding it into the national dialogue on economic policies and priorities. Recognizing that entrepreneurship is vital for job creation, the mayors understand that every 1% increase in entrepreneurial activity in a state is associated with a remarkable 2% reduction in poverty, highlighting the vital link between entrepreneurship and community prosperity.

The first of these Founding Mayors, David Holt of Oklahoma City, initiated this movement during his presidency at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. His leadership sets a transformative path for others to follow, and now 116 mayors across America have pledged to create environments that are conducive to entrepreneurs. This initiative is anticipated to expand, reaching hundreds more mayors from every corner of the nation, thus reinforcing the importance of entrepreneurship at the local level.

Overcoming Barriers to Entrepreneurship

The America the Entrepreneurial campaign aims to empower Founding Mayors beyond their initial commitments. It offers various resources, tools, and continuous support for these leaders to identify challenges faced by entrepreneurs in their regions and pursue actionable changes.

Among the notable mayors leading this initiative are those from cities with substantial populations, including:

• - Cavalier Johnson (Milwaukee, WI)
• - Timothy Keller (Albuquerque, NM)
• - Corey O'Connor (Pittsburgh, PA)
• - ​Kevin McCarty (Sacramento, CA)
• - Brandon Scott (Baltimore, MD).

Additionally, mayors from smaller cities are equally represented, ensuring that the initiative caters to diverse community needs.

Grassroots Support Fuels Growth

The momentum for this movement has been significantly bolstered by grassroots engagement, with over 800 individuals reaching out to their local mayors in just six months, urging them to prioritize entrepreneurship. This collective action reflects a broader national movement spanning all states and territories, emphasizing community engagement in fostering entrepreneurial growth.

The strength of this coalition is evident. According to John Bridgeland, founder of More Perfect, “Once again, 116 mayors across various political backgrounds are stepping forward to ensure that people have the opportunity to convert their visions into enterprises that generate jobs, alleviate poverty, and strengthen community ties.”

Victor W. Hwang, founder of Right to Start, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Every community holds the potential and legacy to foster its own businesses, which, in turn, help you grow locally and create economic opportunities.” This initiative, he believes, can shape a more robust economic landscape for communities across America.

Looking to the Future

As these mayors delve deeper into their roles as advocates for entrepreneurship, they are also implementing local initiatives like proclamations and other actions to convert this national movement into impactful local change.

With the 250th anniversary of the United States approaching, this initiative represents a perfect opportunity to rekindle the entrepreneurial zeal that is a hallmark of the nation’s history.

The initiative illustrates a firm commitment toward enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with the promise of substantial economic upliftment, job growth, and ultimately, a renaissance of community pride and unity. As the movement continues, interested mayors are encouraged to join, and community members are invited to advocate for their local leaders to become Founding Mayors, paving the way for a brighter entrepreneurial future.

For more details on the America the Entrepreneurial initiative and how mayors can get involved, visit the Right to Start website.

About Right to Start

Right to Start is a nonpartisan movement advocating for entrepreneurship as a civic priority across the United States, aiming to create equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs.

About More Perfect

More Perfect is a bipartisan alliance that brings together numerous organizations to tackle public issues collaboratively, making a difference in fostering democratic engagement and community development.