As a company focused on helping all entrepreneurs garner the resources and knowledge they need to innovate and scale, EcoMap is consistently doing the same within its own product development and design teams. Its new product, Pathways, aims to address challenges faced by regional economic development agencies by providing a more dynamic and engaging way for entrepreneurs to navigate their ecosystems.
In a recent webinar moderated by Kevin Carter, EcoMap’s Director of Business Development, Denise Nadal, Director of Product Design, outlined how Pathways can assist entrepreneurs in navigating their ecosystems more effectively.
“The goal with this product was to automate access to relevant resources for entrepreneurs of all types,” Nadal said. “We understood the need for something beyond just a static guide but a step-by-step path to the right resources at the right time.”
Pathways is designed to streamline the often complex process of navigating entrepreneurial ecosystems. Providing a structured approach, it helps entrepreneurs easily identify the steps they need to take based on their specific stage and location.
Traditional resources are often static and generic. With features like customizable dashboards, goal-setting functionalities, and progress tracking, Pathways makes it easier for entrepreneurs to visualize their progress and next steps. Pathways offers dynamic, step-by-step guidance that adapts to the individual entrepreneur’s needs, ensuring they receive relevant support throughout their journey.
Pathways provides valuable analytics for ecosystem builders to track user engagement and progress. This data can help them understand how their communities navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, allowing for more targeted support and resource allocation.
Rich French, Executive Director of One Palouse, a rural economic development agency, has seen Pathways’ benefits, particularly for the unique challenges entrepreneurs in his area face.
One Palouse’s mission is to identify resource gaps and develop ways to overcome them. Particularly in a rural area that spans northern Idaho and eastern Washington, logistical difficulties such as varying regulations, funding opportunities, and community attitudes stem from the region’s division across state lines.
Traditional resources, such as guides from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), are thorough but not tailored specifically to their region, French said. Pathways provides the specificity and centralized resource that simplifies navigation through these unique challenges.
Implementing Pathways is a significant step in allowing them to access relevant resources without reinventing the wheel due to geographical barriers. This approach is structured enough to enhance support for entrepreneurs but individualized enough to streamline their journey through the ecosystem.
Pathways is the next gen of ecosystem building, not only aiding entrepreneurs in their journeys but also equipping ecosystem builders with the tools needed to foster a thriving entrepreneurial environment well into the future.