The new White House administration has ushered in sweeping changes, altering federal funding for local projects, scaling back DEI commitments, and fundamentally reshaping how we do business as a nation. These changes are permeating all levels.

This is not a “business as usual” moment.

Now is the time to fortify three essential pillars of the business community as a foundational collective critical to navigating these rapidly shifting tides and mitigating both present and inevitable market disruptions: entrepreneurial and business support organizations (EBSOs), ecosystem builders, and data specialists

Together, these experts can help business communities adapt to this unfolding new normal and the twists and turns ahead.

EBSOs:
Community Anchors

EBSOs typically have the highest level of engagement with stakeholders in the business community. They serve as the backbone of local business development and assistance. These anchors are:

• Economic development organizations responsible for business recruitment, retention, and expansion.

• Business and founder development service providers like SBA offices, accelerators, and incubators.

• Chambers of commerce, community-based organizations (CBOs), and trade associations.

To effectively meet this moment, EBSOs must have:

• Clear communication plans and channels to disseminate intelligence quickly.

• Leadership working closely with elected officials and public sector partners.

• Credibility as a reliable and authoritative source of information and support.

ECOSYSTEM BUILDERS:
Community Connectors

Ecosystem builders are trusted partners who understand the "who, what, and where" of the local business landscape. They are the boots-on-the-ground connectors who bridge gaps between stakeholders, leveraging deep interpersonal relationships and insights into the subtle dynamics of local communities.

Ecosystem builders are especially critical at this moment because businesses need trusted advisors who can synthesize various perspectives and engage strategically. By harnessing their knowledge, networks, and relationship-building acumen, they enable communities to act swiftly in an increasingly reactive economic climate, especially in the months ahead.

DATA SPECIALISTS:
Community Informers

Data specialists are vital to tracking key economic and policy shifts and facilitating fact-based decision-making. These specialists provide a quantitative lens on market trends to ensure transparency that builds trust in the distribution of resources to stakeholders.

Some key data points they might monitor are:

• Executive Orders and their impact – Brookings offers a tracking tool to assist with this

• State and local policy changes – Creating alignment with local & national decisions

• Regional economic indicators – Such as employment and company formation trends

• Community well-being metrics –  Assessing the human impact of sweeping changes

Context is paramount. Raw data must be translated into real, tangible local impacts to drive action. Collaborating with community organizations, like United Way, YMCA/YWCA, Goodwill Industries, and Big Brothers Big Sisters provides vital insights into how economic changes affect both businesses and the communities they serve. This human-centered approach enables the development of comprehensive solutions that address both immediate challenges and long-term resilience.

Relationships are the X-Factor. The ability of EBSOs, ecosystem builders, data specialists, and targeted partners to shape a resilient economy relies heavily on cultivating and strengthening ties with their local businesses and the interconnected networks of industries and organizations in their communities.