Startup Champions Network (SCN) is proud to welcome Catherine Read as the newest member of our Board of Directors. A national movement builder and coalition strategist, Catherine brings deep experience in public policy, civic engagement, and grassroots organizing, skills she now channels toward advancing entrepreneurship as a civic priority across the United States.
We’re proud to welcome Richard Lin to our Board of Directors! Richard is a founder, convener, and ecosystem builder whose journey into this work started not with a grand plan, but with curiosity and a desire to build something of his own.
Celebrated successes and moments of 2025.
A reflection on SCN Augusta from Board Chair Mark Lawrence.
Behind every great Summit is a team of passionate people who make the magic happen.
This fall, as the Startup Champions Network Summit comes to Augusta, Georgia, we’re proud to introduce the incredible local and national leaders bringing it all together — from creative strategists and real estate investors to marketers and ecosystem builders.
Each member of our Summit Planning Team brings a unique perspective on what it means to build community, drive collaboration, and create spaces where entrepreneurs thrive.
“I love startups and am excited to see success for my fellow entrepreneurs,” says Jeremy Mace, a seasoned fractional Chief Marketing Officer who’s passionate about helping founders grow.
At this year’s Summit, Jeremy will take the stage during Ideas Worth Championing on Thursday to present his session, “Mentors, Not Unicorns.” The talk focuses on the benefits of both being a mentor and being mentored — drawing from his own journey as a seasoned entrepreneur. Jeremy will share the traits and qualities that make these relationships transformative, reminding us that real growth comes not from chasing unicorns, but from investing in people.
“I’m grateful to give my speech and appreciate all that Grace and Eric have done,” he adds — a reflection of his genuine enthusiasm for collaboration and gratitude for the work of ecosystem leaders across the country.
As a real estate investor and founder of SCE Serenity Stays, Shirlonda Evans knows the power of smart investment and strong relationships. For her, the Summit represents an opportunity to build both.
“I’m excited about the Summit because it offers an opportunity to network with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and regions,” she shares. Shirlonda’s perspective reminds us that the entrepreneurial ecosystem extends far beyond startups — it’s about creating sustainable pathways to generational wealth and community prosperity.
Few understand the intersection of creativity and community like Maggie Terhune, a consultant helping coworking spaces and local innovation communities thrive. She currently serves as a fractional community and brand specialist for Spark Coworking while building her own practice supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems.
“This Summit brings together the people who actually do the work of building communities,” Maggie says. “I’m excited to collaborate, share real stories and solutions, and showcase the growing entrepreneurial energy here in Augusta.”
With a passion for creative storytelling and digital strategy, Lexie Irvine brings both artistic flair and technical expertise to the team. As part of Make Startups, she drives brand visibility and digital engagement across platforms — from social media campaigns to strategic fundraising initiatives.
Lexie will also take the stage during Ideas Worth Championing on Thursday to deliver her session, “The Life of an Ecosystem Builder.”
“What does Taylor Swift have to do with startup ecosystems? A lot more than you might think,” Lexie says. She’ll connect the dots between pop culture and purpose, using lessons from Swift’s storytelling to unpack the life, challenges, and heart of an ecosystem builder.
After attending the SCN Summit in the Bay Area last fall, Lexie knows the impact of these gatherings firsthand. “It’s energizing to connect with other ecosystem leaders,” she says. “Hosting the Summit in Augusta this year is an opportunity to keep that momentum going and celebrate the work happening in our region.”
Whether she’s coordinating motorcoach experiences for Destination Augusta, leading a Girl Scout troop, or building her personal brands Kayla with the Keys and The Keys to Her Becoming, Kayla Jefferson is driven by connection and purpose.
“I thrive in roles where I can create meaningful connections and bring big visions to life,” Kayla shares. With a background in tourism, event coordination, and consultative sales, she’s helping the team craft experiences that highlight Augusta’s unique culture while building lasting relationships among Summit attendees.
Her organization, Destination Augusta, is also proud to be a Summit sponsor — and Kayla and her team have been curating some truly fun and memorable excursions for the “Choose Your Own Adventure” portion of the Summit. These hands-on experiences will give attendees a chance to explore Augusta’s hidden gems, connect with locals, and see firsthand what makes this city such a special place to build and belong.
While this is not the full list of locals behind the scenes, it shines a light on a few who have been curating an amazing experience for attendees.
Join us in Augusta this November to connect with this incredible team and the wider network of ecosystem builders shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
Meet SCN Augusta Summit Hosts Eric Parker and Grace Belangia and get a glimpse at the ecosystem attendees will explore this Fall.
Meet Summit host and new SCN member Shaq Cruz, the leader of Nevada’s Office of Entrepreneurship.
Learn more about the Historic Westside and its innovative past before you head to the Las Vegas Summit.
The Startup Champions Network (SCN) Policy Committee is proud to share a strong wave of progress in our collective mission to support entrepreneurs at every level of government. From Capitol Hill to local city halls, policy victories are creating a more inclusive, founder-friendly entrepreneurial landscape.
The Bay Area Summit was a special one. 127 ecosystem builders joined us across our 2.5 days together, representing 2 countries (US and Germany), 18 states, and 45 cities.
Alfredo Mathew III, visionary leader and co-founder of ESO Ventures, is on a mission to redefine entrepreneurial ecosystem building. With a deep belief in the power of collaboration, he’s passionate about bringing people together to unlock the transformative potential of entrepreneurial ecosystems. We’re excited that Alfredo and his team at ESO Foundation are the hosts of our Fall 2024 Summit in the Bay Area!
Exciting news! Summit sponsor and longtime supporter Make Startups is offering an awesome new perk for ALL summit attendees!
We sat down to catch up with Debbie Irwin, one of our Shenandoah Valley Summit hosts and also a newly appointed Board Member!
Collaboration, placemaking, mountains, and dancing the night away. A look back at the 2024 Spring Summit in the Shenandoah Valley.
If you’ve been a member - or even an ecosystem builder for a while, you’ve likely crossed paths with Summit Host Anika Horn. Read our latest blog to hear about her work and what she’s been up to in the Shenandoah Valley.
What makes out Spring Summit unique to other Summits? Here more from Co-Host Anika Horn.
Take a brief down of the Shenandoah Valley and the sub- ecosystems we’ll be exploring during the Spring Summit.
As we get closer to the end of the year, we wanted to share a little ecosystem builder gift guide to help highlight some of our members.
Founded in 1974, the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization with more than 500 members across the state of Arizona representing rural, suburban and urban interests in development of key sectors throughout the state.
Serving as the leading statewide advocate for economic development, AAED’s foundation has been rooted in three fundamental pillars (educate, advocate, collaborate) that continue to affect positive change and increase Arizona’s competitive position to attract investment and create jobs.
Startup Champions Network descended on Phoenix ready to learn and experience the Arizona ecosystem. Hosted by SCN Board member Jenny Poon and her two companies, Co+Hoots and Huub, this Summit brought us lessons in cultural collaboration, creative funding, and having a local first mindset. Here are a few highlights from #SCNPhoenix.
