This just under ten minute video explains why it makes sense to map a local pro entrepreneurship ecosystem if you are planning to start an open coffee group, and how to go about it. The video that goes with these slides is here https://youtu.be/8ZeiUYSdhi8 if you want to start a group get in touch, and/or fill in the form here https://forms.gle/XykLKanxeSbE673Q9 Many thanks Richard Lucas richardlucas@richardlucas.com richardlucas.com/about www.linkedin.com/in/richardhlucas January 2024

1. Mapping the
entrepreneurship
ecosystem
Why and how
Richard Lucas
richardlucas@richardlucas.com
richardlucas.com/about
www.linkedin.com/in/richardhlucas
January 2024

2. Why map the local eco-system
• Understanding what events, organisations, leaders,
venues, institutions, information channels, companies
and sponsors are active is vital
• Shows what assets & resources are available
• Enables you to see, who to work with, where we could
meet, and how to get the word out, where we would
fit in
• Enables you to make a good first impression when you
start talking to people
linkedin.com/in/richardhlucas
richardlucas.com/about

3. What is the current situation
•What ?
•Who ?
•Where ?
•When ?
•How?
•Why?
richardlucas.com

4. Finding out about your community
People, Places, Institutions, Activities, Information nodes
People - Leaders, People in charge, Activitists
Connectors
Institutions Clubs, Societies, Special interest groups,
TEDx-rs,
Businesses with a (potential) community role (pubs,
cafes, hostels…
Events and activities, weekly, monthly, yearly
Places & Venues- the places where people meet/get
together
Media, Connectors

5. How to find out/ Where to look
Google, Bard, Chat GPT websites, Social
/traditional media. Events sites (Meetup, Eventbrite)
Notice boards (public, libraries,
Schools, Universities, Meeting places
WhatsApp, FB, Discord Groups
Quora, Reddit
Government Bodies, Societies
Online/offline
Wandering around (take photos)
All walks of life…..
be careful of PLU/M (people Like us/me)
Each website/place/newsletter you
find in your search may be a place
you will want to promote your
activities later

6. What are you looking for ?
Leaders
Venues
Information channels
Who is doing what already
Think “What can I do for them?”

7. Verification/gap analysis/review
• What are the organisations and societies you have
found actually doing? Verify. Danger sign can be
“too much money”
• Where does what you want to do “fit it”?
• For which groups might your planned activity be
“complementary & helpful”
• Start thinking - if I were going to have a
launch/info meeting where would I go
richardlucas.com

8. Keeping records/to share later

9. Evaluation
Not all activities and events are equal
Try to get a sense of whether the community is
open to newcomers, and the people who run
things are approachable, and responsible/
responsive.
Free, Badges, Cyclical
Don’t be arrogant

10. Next Steps
• Survey, or better launch event a decent time away from
now (newsletter, podcast)
• Use Launch event for team building
• Venue
• Invitations (you never have a second chance to make a
first impression)
richardlucas.com

11. Mapping the
entrepreneurship
ecosystem
Why and how
Richard Lucas
richardlucas@richardlucas.com
richardlucas.com/about
www.linkedin.com/in/richardhlucas
January 2024