The City Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE) program, spearheaded by the National League of Cities (NLC) in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the inequities and underrepresentation of entrepreneurs of color and from other marginalized backgrounds. At the 2023 City Summit in Atlanta, GA, the latest cohort of participants in the CIE program gathered for a workshop and commitment ceremony event to kick off the new program year.
Since its inception in 2018, the CIE program has seen significant growth, with over 250 cities, 300 local partners, and $100 million in committed resources. The program focuses on providing resources and support to help entrepreneurs of color and those from underrepresented backgrounds achieve greater economic mobility, reduce the racial wealth gap, and create more equitable outcomes for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Participating cities in the CIE program select commitments aligned with their strategic priorities for supporting their small business communities. These commitments are built around the four pillars of America’s New Business Plan, which aim to ensure that anyone with an idea has access to the opportunity, funding, knowledge, and support to turn it into a reality.
Throughout the program year, cities are paired with technical program experts who provide guidance and support as cities work to implement their projects. The CIE program emphasizes collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants, allowing cities to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
At the 2023 workshop and launch event, former CIE participants shared their experiences and insights with new cities joining the program. This exchange of knowledge and best practices helps cities maximize their time in the program and make meaningful progress in fostering economic growth in their communities.
In 2023, 40 cities from 22 states across the country made 57 commitments to implement year-long projects aimed at advancing equitable entrepreneurship in their communities. These commitments range from increasing supplier diversity and lowering barriers for Hispanic/Latinx entrepreneurs to building microlending platforms and prioritizing business supports for early childcare providers.
The CIE program offers a variety of expertise and resources to support cities in their commitments, including anchor procurement, early childhood workforce development, ecosystem acceleration, entrepreneurship curriculum, Hispanic/Latinx entrepreneurship, microlending, resource mapping, and working with startups. These resources help cities tailor their projects to meet the specific needs of their communities and drive inclusive economic development.
As the CIE program enters its fifth and final year in its current form, the NLC will leverage the learnings and partnerships established over the past years to formalize promising practices and assess how to best serve its members and local governments moving forward. The program has laid a strong foundation for building more equitable and accessible local economies, one small business at a time.
In conclusion, the City Inclusive Entrepreneurship program is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. By supporting entrepreneurs of color and those from underrepresented backgrounds, the program is driving positive change and economic growth in communities across the country. Stay connected with the CIE program through their monthly webinar series to learn more about the impactful work being done to advance inclusive entrepreneurship.
