Spotlight: Jonathan Chambers — Ecosystem Builder and Commons Catalyst

Meet Jonathan Chambers: ecosystem builder, father of seven and
ESHIP Commons Catalyst

Jonathan (far right) is the Community Manager of Entrepreneurship for the Cherokee Office for Economic Development
(Photo courtesy: J. Chambers).

By Anika Horn, ESHIP Alliance Newsletter Co-Curator

In the intricate realm of ecosystem building, Jonathan Chambers stands out as a passionate advocate and connector. Through his commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and enhancing collaborative networks, Jonathan has become an influential figure in the entrepreneurial landscape. We delve into his journey, motivations, and current engagements to uncover what keeps him driven and how he's shaping the ecosystem building community.

Jonathan's Mr. Rogers Moment

Jonathan's journey into ecosystem building is deeply rooted in his desire to help others. Inspired by Mr. Rogers' ethos, he states, "I wanted to be a helper and so I learned to look for helpers and eventually became one myself. I want to be helpful." This fundamental drive to support and uplift others translates into his everyday work as an ecosystem builder, where he strives to be a source of encouragement and assistance for entrepreneurs navigating complex challenges in his home ecosystem of Woodstock, Georgia.

Jonathan (right) loves supporting entrepreneurs. “When you sit across the table from entrepreneurs, and you see the spark in their eye, you can’t put a price tag on that.” (Photo courtesy: J. Chambers)

For The Love of Ice Cream 

One story that Jonathan lights up about involves a husband-and-wife team pursuing their dream of creating handcrafted, artisanal ice cream. “What keeps me going is when I sit across from an entrepreneur and their spouse. The wife works full-time. The husband is an entrepreneur making it chef-inspired, handcrafted artisan ice cream in a commissary kitchen. He distributes it in pints directly to consumers and at farmers' markets.

It's very magical when you think about what he is trying to build. He has put his heart and soul into this thing. And they have ambitious goals. And when you sit across the table from entrepreneurs like that, and you see the spark in their eye, you can’t put a price tag on that. You see them come alive when they think about how it feels to put all the ingredients together, build the flavor, name it, and then serve it to customers, watching kids light up and parents get excited about buying a pint and taking it to their family.

And as an ecosystem builder, it’s a great feeling to know I played a tiny role in their journey. That's the kind of stuff that gets me jazzed and keeps me going.”

Small Town Creatives: Reviving Creative Networks

In his local ecosystem, Jonathan is excited about the resurgence of "Small Town Creatives," a gathering of creative professionals and business owners. Originally launched in 2017, this event fosters connections among musicians, artists, writers, and many others. 

Despite pandemic disruptions, it has rebounded with vibrant monthly gatherings that include networking and inspiring fireside chats. The energy and collaborative spirit of these events are contagious, sparking creativity and synergy across the local creative community.

Family is what keeps Jonathan grounded. He is dad to 5 girls and 2 boys. (Photo courtesy: J. Chambers).

Trends on The Commons: Challenges and Opportunities

Beyond his local work in Georgia, Jonathan has been an active voice and a volunteer Engagement Catalyst on the ESHIP Commons — a national digital community for ecosystem builders and the people who support them — where several key trends are currently emerging within the ecosystem building community.

To Jonathan, the most relevant conversations right now revolve around:

• Burnout: Many ecosystem builders are discussing strategies to prevent and address burnout, sharing resources and encouraging each other to take necessary breaks.

• Funding: The constant challenge of securing funding remains a primary concern, as builders seek new grants and opportunities to sustain their work and livelihoods.

• Storytelling: There is a growing conversation around how to effectively communicate the unique stories of different cities and regions, moving beyond generic narratives to highlight distinct identities and cultures.

The ESHIP Commons: An Airport for Ecosystem Builders

Jonathan likens The ESHIP Commons to an airport, where diverse ecosystem builders converge, share ideas, and embark on their journeys equipped and refreshed.  He explains, “I think of the Commons as an airport.  We're all coming from our places and going somewhere. What we can do on the Commons is ask ourselves, ‘How do we help people connect the dots and figure out where they're headed and get them to that destination? To make sure they leave better informed and equipped than they were when they started.”

As more people engage with The Commons, Jonathan shares what drives his appetite for engaging online with other ecosystem builders, “ I just want to help and support others. I'm also a big connector. If I see an opportunity or an idea, I immediately think of two or three people I need to tell about it, or who need to meet to create some synergy. That drives a lot of my engagement and activity on the Commons.

“ I just want to help and support others.” (Photo courtesy: J. Chambers).

An ecosystem builder everyone should know: Colin Ake

One ecosystem builder who Jonathan believes everyone should know is Colin Ake. As the Executive Director of Innovation and Commercialization at Kennesaw State University, Colin brings a wealth of experience from the startup and commercialization sectors. His dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts to support startups make him a true ecosystem builder. Jonathan describes Colin as someone who "doesn't want the credit, doesn't need the glory," yet plays an essential role in nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Final Thoughts

Jonathan Chambers' journey and insights offer a valuable perspective on the power of ecosystem building. His dedication to helping others, his excitement for creative collaboration, and his engagement with community-driven platforms like The Commons exemplify the qualities that make a truly impactful ecosystem builder. As Jonathan continues to connect and inspire others, his work serves as a reminder of the profound difference that committed individuals can make in shaping the future of entrepreneurial communities.

For more insightful conversations and to explore how you can get involved in the ecosystem-building space, connect with Jonathan and other practitioners on The ESHIP Commons.

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This post is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 and may be shared or republished with attribution.
Photos courtesy J. Chambers

About The Author

Anika Horn supports ecosystem building practitioners in strengthening their impact through systems-based approaches to entrepreneurship support. She is the Founder and Chief Curator at Social Venturers and a member of the ESHIP Alliance Core Team, and advances the field through training, consulting, and her podcast Ecosystems for Change. Learn more about Anika in this ESHIP Alliance profile.

About This Blog Series This post is part of the ESHIP Alliance’s Voices from the Field series, featuring voices and perspectives from across the entrepreneurial ecosystem building field. We welcome contributions from practitioners, supporters, and advocates who want to share insights, experiences, and ideas that advance our work. If you’re interested in contributing a post or want to suggest a person to profile, please get in touch with us at hello@eship.org.