Through Entrepreneurship
Through Entrepreneurship is a podcast exploring how entrepreneurship – when supported by the right ecosystems – can drive economic growth, solve complex societal challenges, and foster a more equitable future.
Each episode goes beyond the myth of the lone entrepreneur to uncover the real systems that make innovation possible. From student debt and healthcare barriers to the transformative power of local businesses and public-private partnerships, the show examines the forces that shape who gets to succeed and who gets left behind.
Grounded in research and stories from entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and community leaders, Through Entrepreneurship highlights the power of new and growing businesses as engines of job creation and community resilience.
Every conversation ends with actionable insights for all stakeholders: entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, investors, and citizens alike – because building a more supportive entrepreneurial environment is a collective endeavor.
Through Entrepreneurship
001: The Impact of Unused Commercial Real Estate on Local Economies
In this episode, we explore the profound impact of unused commercial real estate in the post-COVID world. We argue that these empty spaces are not just a problem, but a generational opportunity. Our research shows how entrepreneurs, equipped with smart strategies and community support, can reimagine and revitalize our towns and cities, turning stagnant properties into vibrant economic centers.
Key Concepts & Discussion Points
- A New Kind of Vacancy: The show distinguishes the current glut of empty commercial properties from past downturns, calling it a permanent, structural shift driven by the acceleration of remote work and e-commerce.
- The Mismatch: The hosts explain a "three-way mismatch" where the available commercial space no longer aligns with new market demand or the needs of entrepreneurs.
- The Cascading Effects: Vacant properties create a domino effect of negative consequences, including a decline in city property tax revenue and job losses for small businesses that relied on foot traffic. The show also highlights the social impact, noting that vacant buildings can lead to blight and safety concerns.
- Adaptive Reuse as the Solution: The episode champions adaptive reuse as a core strategy for revitalization, showcasing how properties can be creatively repurposed. Examples include turning older office buildings and malls into housing, educational campuses, or healthcare hubs.
Actionable Recommendations
For Municipalities & City Leaders:
- Reform zoning codes to encourage mixed-use development and simplify the permitting process for new projects.
- Use financial tools like tax incentives and grants to incentivize adaptive reuse projects.
- Lead public-private partnerships to guide redevelopment and negotiate community benefits.
For Community Leaders & Local Organizations:
- Organize residents to help shape a shared vision for redevelopment that serves the community's needs.
- Push for fairness by advocating for community benefit agreements that ensure local hiring and dedicated spaces for minority-owned businesses.
- Activate vacant spaces in the interim through pop-up programs, art galleries, and other temporary uses to bring life back to the streets.
For Entrepreneurs & Innovators:
- Identify new niches that meet the community's needs, such as co-working spaces or specialized manufacturing in old warehouses.
- Seize space opportunities by leveraging high vacancy rates to secure lower rents and more favorable lease terms.
- Collaborate with local stakeholders and municipalities to ensure your ideas fit the local context and align with revitalization goals.