Pick Your City

This week we’ve been reading about entrepreneurial ecosystems. So I want to think about what environments you thrive in.

Part One

We all thrive in different place and spaces. I, for example, thought I would thrive in a really big city like NYC. And while I love that I lived there and loved my career opportunities there, it turns out that I prefer a more mid-sized city like Detroit or Denver. But I wouldn’t have known that without leaving Denver first and going to NYC to really test it out. 

So let’s start thinking about what works for you. When you graduate, do you see yourself in a big city or small town? What is important to you?

There is research you can do before you go off and move. And that’s what we’re going to do this week.

The plan: 

1. Read through the Best Places in America to Start A Business (https://www.inc.com/surge-cities/best-places-start-business.html) list produced by Inc. Magazine.

2. Select your THREE favorites — the places you would consider moving after graduation.

3. Submit a short statement (~300 words) telling me which three you selected and what the most critical elements were in your decision process. Was it that they had more jobs? Low cost of living? Seem to have a rebel culture? Lots of capital available for startups? A strong existing ecosystem?

Draw from the readings and listenings to show me that you understand what makes a compelling place for startups. Think about what questions would you still need to answer before deciding. (Note: These are suggested considerations, not a prescription for your assignment. If you just submit a document answering my suggested prompts, you will get marked down. I want to see you thinking and drawing from the reading/listening.)

NOTE: If you select Ann Arbor or East Lansing, you must make a compelling case for it beyond the fact that it’s close, near family or in Michigan. Think beyond the state you know. Think about places you haven’t been but that might fit your ideal.

NOTE 2: Lots of publications do these kinds of lists because they make people excited and share the content. You ALWAYS want to look at the methodology to understand how they determine the rankings. That will help you understand why someplace you love isn’t on the list while someplace you hate is. Plus, it prevents you from sharing B.S. lists on Facebook because you can ascertain whether the methodology is real or a click-bait headline.