If you are actively working to encourage startups and entrepreneurship in your community, SCN is the place you can find a strong peer network and learn more about how to improve your work. The emerging practice of ecosystem building builds healthy systems to allow people and resources in a community to flow and work together instead of just focusing on the individual parts of a community. This work can be challenging and relies on strong personal networks and skills. SCN is the place to build both.

Startup Champions Network is a group of ecosystem builders from across the country who support entrepreneurial ecosystem builders by providing them with the tools, resources, knowledge and support systems they need to build thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems in their own community.

We believe that thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems should exist in all communities in order to drive economic opportunity and independence for all. Startup Champions Network works in collaboration with other peer organizations who strive to build stronger economies through entrepreneurship. Our members become your “go-to” resource to find connections, support, and knowledge.

Membership Benefits

Invitations to SCN National Ecosystem Builders Summits at a reduced rate.

These 2.5-day intimate gatherings bring together the nation's top ecosystem builders and national ecosystem support organizations to connect, share and learn against the backdrops of some of the nation's top emerging ecosystems. Members are given special pricing for our summits.

Online Community

The work of ecosystem building can be isolating. Through our Members-only Facebook Group and Slack channel, SCN members connect and share insights, questions, and achievements. We also host quarterly coffee roulette sessions where you’ll get a chance to meet and chat with other members in a virtual format.

Program discounts and invitations to closed programming

  • Throughout the year, SCN hosts deep learning and peer-led practice cohorts focused on complex issues related to inclusion, wellness, storytelling, ecosystem metrics, and policy. Challenges are designed for ecosystem builders to TAKE ACTION around specific areas of focus to accelerate impact and share resources. Some challenges are closed, others are offered to members at a discounted rate.

  • SCN regularly presents virtual opportunities for members to learn together via webinars and provide members access and discounts to new tools and resources to help take our work to the next level.

Sponsor perks and resource sharing

Our National sponsors offer SCN member discounts to their programs and tools. As a network of ecosystem builders, we also share resources, case studies, and tools from our board, parters, and other Black Belt ecosystem builder members.

Networking opportunities

Build relationships with ecosystem builders, resource providers, funders, and SCN’s National sponsors to help grow your ecosystem and further your professional development.

Job Boards

We know the most competent people in the field and want to support ecosystem builders in finding their next opportunity through the SCN jobs board.

Be a part of a network that understands your challenges, work, and most importantly, your value.

“It’s just so amazing to be with people who are working on the same stuff that you are, everyday, and discussing the good, bad, the ugly, the hopes, the dreams, the fears.” ~ John Antonucci, Burlington VT

“It doesn’t matter if you just started doing this stuff or if you’ve been doing it for years. We’re all kind of struggling with these same issues, and the loneliness of trying to do this work. And there’s no better place to find your crowd than at this event.” ~ Rick T, Portland, OR

“If you’re thinking of joining up with SCN, do it! Absolutely. It is an incredible network.”