Our History
The ESHIP Alliance began with the work of over 2,500 participants in the ESHIP Summits hosted by the Kauffman Foundation from 2016 to 2020. Over four Summits, ecosystem builders from across the U.S. and 20 countries came together to advance the field of entrepreneurial ecosystem building. Through a collaborative, community-led process, they developed tools, resources, and shared knowledge to help communities better support entrepreneurs.
Video courtesy of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Building upon a decade of collective action
The ESHIP Alliance is the outcome of the collaborative design efforts of 500+ people as part of the Ecosystem Building Leadership Project (2021–23) and the groundwork laid by the 2,500+ participants of the Kauffman Foundation hosted ESHIP Summits (2016–20).
Our Mission
Advance entrepreneurial ecosystem building as a valued practice, a trusted profession, and as a model for economic health and community wellbeing in the United States.
Our Vision
Expand entrepreneurial opportunities for all, making local, regional, and national economies more resilient, equitable, and vibrant.
Why do you do what you do?
Hear from ecosystem builders about why they do what they do.
Video courtesy of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
ESHIP Alliance Charter
We build the field by empowering and connecting ecosystem building practitioners and the growing network of organizations that support them – to better serve entrepreneurs and their communities.
How Did We Get Here?
2016–20 | THE KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION
“What do we know and what is needed?”
Establish a shared set of objectives to build the tenants of the entrepreneurial ecosystem building field – the ESHIP Goals.
2021–23 | ECOSYSTEM BUILDING LEADERSHIP PROJECT
“How will we work together?”
Co-design a permanent, independent entity to spin the work out of Kauffman and enables long-term collaboration and shared leadership.
2024–PRESENT | ESHIP ALLIANCE
“What can we do together?”
Launch a permanent, cross-sector collaborative entity to build and advance the field by solving for the ESHIP Goals.
