Event recap: How ecosystem mapping can aid your region

In SSTI’s recent TBED Community of Practice webinar, representatives from SourceLink and EcoMap Technologies shared practical insights on how ecosystem mapping supports both entrepreneurship and regional economic development.

The discussion focused on ecosystem mapping as a fundamental first step in understanding and strengthening entrepreneurs. Maria Meyers, founder of SourceLink, explained that ecosystem mapping does more than create a directory of resources—it activates a network. “If you build that network, you will build the ecosystem to create what you want in your community,” she said.

Building on this idea, Sherrod David, co-founder and CEO of EcoMap, emphasized the importance of visibility for entrepreneurs seeking local resources. He described ecosystem mapping as a virtual “front door” for entrepreneurs that makes local resources easier to find and more accessible. By improving the discoverability of these resources, ecosystem mapping helps communities develop more effective support systems, enabling new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Access the recording and slides from this event here to learn more about ecosystem mapping.

The next TBED Community of Practice webinar is June 20 and will feature past awardees from EDA’s Build to Scale program—register today.

This article was prepared by SSTI using Federal funds under award ED22HDQ3070129 from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.