“The greatest natural resource we have is the untapped entrepreneurial potential of our people” — Thom Ruhe
In every community, untapped entrepreneurial potential lies dormant, waiting to be unleashed. Yet, many communities lack the tools, training, and support needed to unlock that potential.
We all know that entrepreneurial activity is essential for creating vibrant and sustainable communities. While economic developers have begun to recognize the value of creating entrepreneurial ecosystems, many are designed to focus exclusively on high-growth, venture-backed startups and do not address the needs of everyday entrepreneurs. By doing so, they may be overlooking an opportunity that is hiding in plain sight.
Join ELI Founder Gary Schoeniger and NC IDEA President & CEO Thom Ruhe for a thought-provoking discussion on a new model of economic development—one that prioritizes entrepreneurial mindset education and grassroots support systems to empower everyday entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Everyday Entrepreneurs – Why small-scale entrepreneurship is essential for economic mobility and community resilience.
- Rethinking Entrepreneurial Ecosystems – How traditional models often overlook the majority of entrepreneurs.
- A Proven Approach – Insights from NC IDEA’s statewide initiative and how it’s transforming North Carolina’s economic landscape.
- Practical Strategies – Steps that educators, community leaders, and policymakers can take to support local entrepreneurs.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is designed for economic developers, educators, policymakers, workforce leaders, and community stakeholders who are invested in fostering inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.
About the Speakers:
Thom Ruhe is the President and CEO of NC IDEA, a private foundation dedicated to helping the diverse population of North Carolina realize their full entrepreneurial potential. Capitalizing on the many entrepreneurial and programmatic accomplishments of his career, Thom has worked with communities worldwide to reap the benefits of rethinking equitable economic development practices by focusing on empowering people through entrepreneurship.
During his seven-year tenure at the Kauffman Foundation, he directed the Foundation’s programs addressing entrepreneurial education, mentoring, access to capital, and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems. Thom also led Kauffman Labs for Enterprise Creation, a community resource for experiential-based entrepreneurial education.
Thom has served in various board and advisory capacities, including The World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council for fostering Entrepreneurship, the Board of Advisers for The Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC, and the Governor’s Entrepreneurship Council.
Gary Schoeniger is a pioneering advocate for entrepreneurial mindset education, working to transform the way entrepreneurship is taught in classrooms, organizations, and communities. His work goes beyond traditional concepts of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the mindset and behaviors that drive engagement, innovation, and human potential.
Schoeniger challenges conventional paradigms, making entrepreneurial thinking accessible to people from all backgrounds and circumstances. Through extensive research, thought leadership, and practical application, he bridges the gap between theory and practice—empowering individuals and communities to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to self-reliance and economic mobility.
As the Founder and CEO of the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative, Gary led the development of the internationally acclaimed Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset Programs. Schoeniger, along with Pulitzer nominee Clifton Taulbert, is the co-author of Who Owns The Ice House?. His most recent book, The Entrepreneurial Mindset Advantage is now available wherever books are sold.