Evaluation of Creating Entrepreneurial Communities Program

Creating Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) is a training and support program designed to increase economic vitality through the development of community systems of entrepreneurship. Through a competitive application process, nine Michigan community teams were selected to participate in a week-long training through the Energizing Entrepreneurs Institute and to be assigned community coaches who will support their efforts for one year. The evaluation is designed to examine the effects of the training and support in enabling communities to take successful action. In addition, social network analysis is being conducted to monitor increases in connections and resource knowledge and use.

Please contact Laurie Van Egeren for more information


Funder: MSU University Outreach and Engagement
MSU Partners: Community Evaluation and Research Collaborative; MSU Product Center; MSU Museum; MSU Extension; Center for Community and Economic Development; University Outreach and Engagement; Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education; Department of Psychology
Community Partners: Small Business Technology and Development Centers; Edward Lowe Foundation; Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries; Center for Rural Entrepreneurship at the Rural Policy Research Institute; nine Michigan communities