Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development
114: Economic Gardening: Nurturing Local Businesses for Community Growth with Chris Gibbons
Oct 23, 2023
In this engaging talk, Chris Gibbons, the visionary behind economic gardening, shares his journey from urban planning to creating this innovative approach in Littleton, Colorado, during the 1980s. He highlights how focusing on stage two companies can drive local job creation and community resilience. Gibbons reveals his use of AI, like ChatGPT, for enhancing business support and emphasizes the value of research over traditional assistance. His passion for community prosperity and revitalization shines through as he discusses practical strategies for sustainable economic growth.
33:11
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Quick takeaways
- Economic gardening focuses on nurturing stage two companies, emphasizing market research and structured processes for sustainable community growth.
- Leveraging advanced tools like GIS mapping and AI technologies like ChatGPT enhances targeted marketing and efficiency for local businesses.
Deep dives
Origins of Economic Gardening
Economic gardening was conceptualized in Littleton, Colorado, in the late 1980s amidst significant local layoffs from a major employer. The city council sought ways to support local businesses in creating jobs, leading to a focus on nurturing existing companies rather than attracting new ones. The program was established with a particular emphasis on stage two companies, which already had a minimum of one million dollars in sales and ten employees. The intention was to assist these companies in scaling their operations and increasing job creation in the community.
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