What is a Community?
The idea of community comes from our sense of responsibility for each other. The importance of maintaining connection and positive relationships with one another in word and action forms the basis of community building. We find a lot of inspiration from the Holy Bible verse on building communities below:
” And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Startup Communities bring startups together
In this respect, startup communities worldwide play an active role in bringing startup businesses together. A dynamic startup community comprises the various facets of the business ecosystem namely Startup entrepreneurs, established businesses, Mentors, Investors (Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, Personal Investors), Academicians, Advisors, researchers, Incubators, Accelerators, Media, and community heads of organizations—or even more in certain cases. Every link in the startup ecosystem holds significance in how activities flow and support the desired business objectives. The Holy Bible further quotes,
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
More often than not, the social bonding and commitment between fellow members in a startup community helps develop greater camaraderie and brotherhood in the ecosystem. We know that successful industries can undergo huge changes. Though this can be due to the turbulence in industry dynamics, any active community can help entrepreneurs wither the storm and sail toward shore safely with an active support apparatus.
Startup Communities for Innovation
“We need entrepreneurs and their ideas to keep our society moving forward, not just economically but equitably,” writes Eric Ries. “The work of innovation is continuous, and thinking truly long term is crucial to reap its true benefits,” he adds. Any startup community, therefore, harnesses the power of entrepreneurship in a region.
If you’re an aspiring community head read the book “The Startup Community Way: Evolving an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” by Brad Feld and Ian Hathaway which vividly shares the principles and examples of an innovation ecosystem.
Let me conclude with an excellent verse from the Holy Quran (Koran) on the importance of building a strong community to achieve an intended objective.
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the Sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” – Quran 49:13
Image Courtesy:
- Herald Magazine – Dawn
- Wikipedia