Entrepreneurism, Oberlin and Sustainable Economic Growth

In Oberlin, sustainability is more than a buzzword, it is a tool that drives innovation—that transforms community by changing behavior and promoting sustainable economic development. Sustainable economic development generates economic wealth that is based on the triple bottom line, balancing impact and opportunity to people, profit and planet.  Market solutions are generated that produce improved economic opportunity (reduces the growing income disparity between the rich and the poor), accounts for impact to the environment and value of ecosystem services in financial accounting, and finally and most familiar, creates flows of dollars at the local, regional and global scales.  As you know, Oberlin isn’t afraid of doing something a little different.

The Oberlin Project is challenging individuals in and outside of Oberlin to use the triple bottom line to generate solutions that change the way we create, deploy and do business.  Oberlin is home to a wealth of human resources representative of many demographics including age, experience, socioeconomic status, race and educational attainment.  This diversity is key to the wealth of ideas generated in our community.  Of course, not all of these ideas are market ready, or even market worthy, but they do represent the seeds of economic development to be further evaluated and supported by technical service agents in Oberlin and northeast Ohio.  

Support comes in the form of capital, technical assistance, mentorship and entrepreneurial communities.

Going forward, you’ll hear more from The Oberlin Project about entrepreneurism, particularly as it relates to our four target economic markets: local agriculture, energy efficiency, resource recovery, arts/tourism and any possible intersection thereof.  Entrepreneurial ecosystems flourish because communities are supportive of big thinking, using information to evaluate the changing world and are open to a new and different future.  We are committed to this in Oberlin.

Interested in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?  Consider these call to actions:

• Have an idea?  Need a partner for a business venture?  Join Oberlin’s first entrepreneur gathering to meet other local entrepreneurs,  learn about regional entrepreneurial resources and think big. Tuesday, January 20th from 5:30-7:30pm at Slow Train.

• If you’re currently pursuing a business venture in Oberlin and need assistance contact Cullen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Outside of Oberlin and considering a move or start-up relocation? Ohio and Oberlin have some interesting things to offer, including an electricity portfolio that’s soon to be 87% renewable.  Contact Cullen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.