Danielle Patterson on the power of empathy in building entrepreneurial ecosystems

In this episode, host David Ponraj interviews Danielle Patterson, Director at SeedCore Foundation in Bakersfield, CA. Danielle oversees the Kern Initiative for Talent & Entrepreneurship (KITE), a private-public partnership focused on entrepreneurship-led economic development. Danielle has the unique ability to see the ecosystem from the support side as well as from the entrepreneur side, having tried to navigate her local support system as a business owner. She says that, as an ecosystem builder, “Communication is key. You must understand the economic makeup of the county and listen to the partners and the founders. Listening will be your biggest tool.” Organizations must work together to support the founders, she says, ”it’s not about us, it’s about them.” 

Learn more about Danielle's work at: https://seedcorefoundation.org

Explore KITE at: www.gokite.org

Learn more about Startup Space at: www.startupspace.us