EcoMap Technologies partnered with the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State University to create NorCal Entrepreneur Hub, an online platform powered by ecosystem intelligence to help innovators, startup founders, and small business owners navigate the Greater Sacramento entrepreneurial ecosystem. This case study answers the following questions:
- How did NorCal Entrepreneur Hub centralize resources for students and entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region?
- What challenges did students face before the creation of NorCal Entrepreneur Hub?
- What were the measurable benefits of NorCal Entrepreneur Hub for Sacramento State and the broader entrepreneurial community?
Carlsen Center’s Commitment to Innovation
The Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship positions itself as the premier hub for regional innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. Their mission is to make these fields accessible and impactful for everyone in the Greater Sacramento Region. They achieve this by providing approachable education, fostering a supportive community, and offering resources for startup founders of all backgrounds to explore and launch their businesses.
Challenge
Students, the future of entrepreneurship, often struggle to navigate the fragmented landscape of resources within a university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This lack of centralized information hinders their ability to find the support needed to turn ideas into thriving businesses. Universities, such as Sacramento State University, are anchor institutions, face a critical gap. They need a way to bridge the disconnect between students and the wealth of scattered resources available on campus and in their region.
Solution
EcoMap Technologies partnered with Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State University, Sierra College and Tahoe Prosperity Center to develop NorCal Entrepreneur Hub, an online platform powered by ecosystem intelligence for innovators, startup founders, and small business owners seeking to navigate the Greater Sacramento’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. NorCal Entrepreneur Hub provides info on:
- Business incubators and accelerators
- Investors and funding opportunities
- Mentorship and network groups
- Educational resources
Benefits
- Increased Resource Accessibility
By centralizing 400 resources and nearly 150 organizations across the region on NorCal Entrepreneur Hub, students and local community could access the exact resources they needed to succeed. - Streamlined Navigation & Support
The platform’s intuitive search functions allowed students to quickly find relevant resources based on their specific needs, venture stage, and industry. This made it easier for students to engage and discover the support they needed. - Stronger Ecosystem & Stakeholder Engagement
The Carlsen Center partnered with local universities and leaders, ensuring the Hub served the entire region. By facilitating communication and networking across the platform, the Hub helped cultivate a more vibrant and interconnected student entrepreneurial environment within Sacramento.
“Our EcoMap has served as a rallying asset for our region. It is a tangible, visual demonstration of how our ecosystem partners come together and is allowing us to see the life of the ecosystem as it grows.”
– Cameron Law, Executive Director, Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State University
Summary of Key Questions answered in this case study:
- How did NorCal Entrepreneur Hub centralize resources for students and entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region?
The platform centralized over 400 resources, making it easier for students to find the support they needed for their ventures in one place. - What challenges did students face before the creation of NorCal Entrepreneur Hub?
The fragmented resources within universities and the region made it difficult for students to find and connect with the necessary support to grow their businesses. - What were the measurable benefits of NorCal Entrepreneur Hub for Sacramento State and the broader entrepreneurial community?
The Hub increased student engagement, facilitated stronger ecosystem connections, and made it easier for entrepreneurs to find resources, leading to a more dynamic and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem.