Creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem: A look at how SWVA is fostering entrepreneurship Starting a successful business takes a network of people Updated: Tags: Small Business Spotlight: Strengthening our local economy Vinton – More than just starting a business, entrepreneurship is a community sport. It takes a community effort to get business’s open and thriving, especially as we near the end of the pandemic. Behind every business, main street, or bustling shopping center, is a network of people who made it happen. It’s called “an entrepreneurial ecosystem.” Fostering entrepreneurship has become a core focus of economic development in cities and countries around the world. It’s also a focus for local economic development leaders in Southwest Virginia as small businesses are consistently recognized as the backbone of our community.