CenterState CEO Community Investment Team Attends Annual Build From Within Alliance Convening

Members of CenterState CEO’s Economic Inclusion team-Andy Obernesser, Jonathan Link Logan and Eric Jankowski-recently traveled to Houston to connect with other members of the Build from Within Alliance (BfWA) and discuss challenges and opportunities relative to mission-oriented community development and entrepreneurship support. CenterState CEO’s Up Start small business development program is informed by the BfWA’s four pillar model: linking entrepreneurs in low-income communities to business training, business lending, real estate and technical assistance.

The convening in Houston gave the CenterState CEO team an opportunity to share their successes and challenges, and learn from other service providers in the process. This included examining best practices around helping entrepreneurs land in supportive commercial spaces, small business incubation, lending practices and public policy. It was a great opportunity for staff across the alliance members to connect with their peers and learn from one another. 

Syracuse is one of several cities that make up the Build from Within Alliance. The Alliance believes entrepreneurship support can be a means to economic justice and community wealth-building. Their work is place-based, customized to the individual, and rooted in justice for communities historically left out of economic opportunity.

Photo Credit: Cam Washington of FRAMEDBYCAM

Photo Caption: Members of the Build From Within Alliance meet in Houston, TX for their annual convening.