Page 50 - 1-Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development by Norman Walzer (z-lib.org)

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What’s Culture Got to Do with It?

Strategies for Strengthening an

Entrepreneurial Culture

Ron Hustedde

Think of a community or region as an entrepreneurial venture. Entrepre-
neurs transform ideas into something of value that people want or need.
They tend to be curious; they question the status quo; they listen to their
customers and find ways to satisfy them. They change behavior and thought
patterns to create new market opportunities. If a community or region can
be viewed as an entrepreneurial venture, one would expect to find similar
characteristics: behaviors and attitudes that are open to new ideas and op-
portunities with a supportive environment that encourages new ventures.
This is part of what is meant by an entrepreneurial culture.
This chapter addresses two major questions: (1) What does culture
have to do with entrepreneurship? and, (2) How does one foster an
entrepreneurial-friendly culture in a rural setting? Subsequent discussions
will define entrepreneurial culture and various types of entrepreneurs.
The chapter will explore seven major practices for building an entrepre-
neurial culture: (1) creating opportunities to learn, question, and think
about entrepreneurship; (2) welcoming fresh voices and embracing di-
versity; (3) mobilizing resources for entrepreneurs; (4) cultivating net-
works for entrepreneurs to thrive; (5) focusing on assets; (6) developing
a shared vision about entrepreneurship; and (7) creating entrepreneurial
advocates and leaders.

DEFINING AN ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE

There are cultures within a community that nurture, tolerate, or discour-
age the creation of new enterprises. Communities with cultures that value

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