Entrepreneurial Networking in Southeastern Nebraska

I spent last evening at the monthly meeting of the I2E Club in Nebraska City, Nebraska. I2E stands for Inventors, Investors & Entrepreneurs and there were some of each at the University of Nebraska Kimmel Education and Research Center in Nebraska City last night. You can find out more about the group if you go to www.i2eclub.org. Since the Nebraska City area borders two other states, I should mention that Iowa and Missouri entrepreneurs are welcome to attend, as well.

The entrepreneurs that showed up are not necessarily the technology nerds that one might find in a university town or Silicon Valley entrepreneur’s club, but they are entrepreneurs nonetheless. They are taking the same risks with their money and security and attempting to start something that if successful will in some way improve the local and possibly regional economy. They came to learn about angel and venture investing – what it is and how it works. I’m sure that many decided it wasn’t a fit for their business which is fine. It allows them to concentrate on the type of financing that does fit. Others in the audience were better equipped to secure equity financing.

The group was extremely interested in the topic asking questions as we went along and contributing their own experiences. It wasn’t a large group by many standards, probably about fifteen people but it was obvious that most of them were regular attendees. I would rather have a group of fifteen involved participants than fifty people sitting on their hands or nodding asleep. Remember, it only takes one or two of these people to make a significant impact on a local economy.

Part of what makes entrepreneurial networking events successful are the people behind the scenes that arrange for food, put the agenda together and secure speakers. Dr. Connie Reimers-Hild and her staff at the Kimmel Center do a wonderful job of organizing everything. “Dr Connie” also does a great job of emceeing the event, getting the crowd involved, making them feel comfortable. These are the things that bring people back time and time again.

I have no doubt that the I2E Club will continue to grow and will lead to other more informal networking by its members at local coffee shops, bars and restaurants. Over time, as people gain trust in one another business will begin to be transacted between members of the club and an entrepreneurial culture will be created. Of course, it takes more than a monthly meeting. It takes technical assistance from area resource providers, some formal business training and coaching and leadership. But its all doable.

It may not look the same as the cultures developed in Boston or San Francisco but will still eventually permeate the local society and create a collaborative, confident, “can do” attitude throughout Nebraska City and the region. This has happened in similar places, such as Fairfield, Iowa, Appalachian Ohio and Valley County, Nebraska and can happen in many other rural areas that take the first step.

What is your community or region doing to promote entrepreneurism? Is it a real program with committed resources or just the newest buzz word? Is it working? If not, what do you think is missing?