607A: Understanding The Startup-Economy: A Top 25 Startup-Ecosystem Perspective

October 12, 2018

12:00pm - 12:15pm

Cities are economic engines, and more than ever, cities must be competitive to attract talent and investment. In the age of the disruptive economy (and technologies) there is benefit in communities investing in the startup ecosystem. This session highlights the story of how Waterloo Region has evolved into a top-25 startup ecosystem. It touches on forward-thinking strategic plans, innovative economic development strategies, creative urban planning, proactive cultural programming and a barn-raising attitude.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Gain knowledge about the emerging startup ecosystem, an important (and disruptive) job growth sector
• Understand the important role, benefit, and opportunity of stakeholder collaboration and barn-raising initiatives
• Gain knowledge of shared economic and planning initiatives and strategies to attract talent and investment

Speakers