In this episode of Your Startup Community, Chris Heivly tackles a common but critical question: is there a difference between a startup community and an entrepreneurial ecosystem? The short answer, yes. The longer answer could shape the future of your city’s startup scene.

Using vivid metaphors and lessons learned from building ecosystems across 20+ countries, Chris explains why thriving communities must come before flashy innovation centers or government programs. He unpacks the key players in each stage, why the first 25 founders matter more than any ribbon-cutting, and how skipping steps can stall an entire region’s entrepreneurial potential.

Whether you’re a founder, a corporate leader, or an economic development pro, this episode shows why real startup energy starts small, grows founder-first, and only then attracts the larger ecosystem.