Three signs of a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem

If you want to predict the future economic growth of any city, look at what resources are available for aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses with less than five employees.

A coworking space is a good sign. Most early stage startups and small businesses don’t need their own space. Most don’t need to be signing multi-year leases either.

A code school is a good sign. Because giving adults a pathway into technology is a good thing.

A weekly set of events open to the public is a good sign. Whether it’s a One Million Cups event, a monthly happy hour at the local coworking space or something else entirely — bringing like-minded people together on a regular basis is a good thing.

As the cost to start new companies continues to decline, cities — especially across the Midwest — should be constantly rethinking what their local entrepreneurs really need at the earliest stage of their company.