The Center for 21st Century Communities (21c3) values the impact of entrepreneurs on our transition to a new economy. We have many talented, creative entrepreneurs and business leaders here in Michigan already, and there is surely room for more individuals, start-ups and new economy businesses to join the “entrepreneurial revolution.”

As best-selling author Seth Godin says in a video interview featured on Entrepreneur magazine's website; "For 150 years, we lived in an industrial economy. The industrial revolution lead to the industrial. Now it's over. Now there's a revolution going on and the industrial economy is ending," replaced by an "entrepreneurial revolution," he says.

A little while ago, Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, in partnership with dbusiness magazine and News/Talk 760 WJR, put out a call for nominations identifying “Champions of the New Economy” in Michigan. Five entrepreneurs and business leaders “in metro Detroit who are moving southeast Michigan’s economy forward,” shared their stories with WJR Business Editor Tom Campbell in a series of radio interviews, in early 2010, and dbusiness published an extensive article on “Champions of the New Economy” in May / June 2010, which features additional profiles and interviews with the five men.

Jennifer Eberbach is a professional journalist and writer. Find contact information on her website www.jenthewriter.info

In recent years there has been a wave of entrepreneurial activity around the country.  Most of this is driven by the current economic climate but a lot is also due to young people running with their ideas.  A recent article in Entrepreneur Magazine highlights the story of two young men who dropped their job and grad school plans to found their own company. Entrepreneurship is one of the key ingredients in creating a sustainable, viable, 21st Century Community.  It promotes job growth, increased revenues, and has a significant negative impact on poverty.  When we can no longer rely on mass market employment the entrepreneurs will still be fighting strong.  Encouraging young people and their ideas is one way to keep business thriving! 

The article addresses the major reasons young people hesitate from starting a business. Lack of experience and nervousness about finances rank high on the list. However, it seems that lack of experience allows for more learning on the job and fewer financial responsibilties of young people make the investment a lot less risky. 

For some more encouragement this 2007 article highlights why the "fresh from college" group are in their prime for business development.  There is everything to gain, and nothing to lose.  Start that business today!

Colby Spencer is an intern and 21c3 Project Coordinator at MML.  She can be reached at cspencer@mml.org or (734) 669-6323.