Take a deep dive into the steps required to build a needs-based entrepreneurial ecosystem while exploring the importance of assessing clients needs and using community voice to create programs that greatly impact the entire community. Learn how identifying barriers and gaps in knowledge, while utilizing cultural competence, can create an equitable experience for merchants and residents, and understand the benefits of establishing relationships with local and national small business service providers and trusted community spaces to remove barriers for participants. Attendees will feel prepared to build their own eco-system that support merchants in their neighborhoods.