Enterprise Facilitation from Sirolli Provides Hope, Sustainable Jobs to Foundering Economy Through Community Mentoring Process That Is Free to Entrepreneurs
MARION, SD -- (April 7, 2008) -- Sirolli Institute, a leader in the field of sustainable community and economic development announced the upcoming anniversary of the Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project (SEFP), based in Marion South Dakota will take place April 16, 2008. With projects scattered throughout the U.S., the sustainability of new businesses started through the trademarked Enterprise Facilitation process far exceeds the national average, with independently assessed projects in rural Kansas experiencing a 95% sustainability rate, and SEFP having new businesses succeed at an average 79.5% after the first four years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average for businesses still in operation after the first four years is only 44 percent.
“We advocate for a civic economy, a model of development that supports the creation of wealth from within a community by nurturing the intelligence and resourcefulness of its people, and champion the development of community through the passionate mentoring of local talent,” stated Dr. Ernesto Sirolli, Founder of the Sirolli Institute. “By promoting quality local enterprises that diversify the economic base and create jobs while respecting the environment and infusing the community with local vigor and ideas, communities are able to successfully grow themselves from the bottom up. The fact that people from all walks of life in the community are utilized to support the process, and that the service is free to anyone with an idea for a business helps ensure long-term viability and creates a true sense of community, is something that is often lacking in today’s society.”
With Enterprise Facilitation projects based throughout the U.S. in states like New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, South Dakota, Minnesota, Oregon and California, the biggest impact can be seen particularly in disenfranchised rural areas, who have experienced renewed economic growth and vitality. The process supports home businesses, mixed use areas, liveable cities and the emergence of civic society to achieve indigenous growth. People often overlook that creating one job can have such an exponential impact. For example, in one of the project communities 450 people are supported by 104 new, expanded or retained jobs.
“The process is effective because it allows each entrepreneur to focus on his or her strengths, and connects them with others in the community who can help them tackle the areas of starting a business that can be overwhelming, such as developing a business plan and securing financing,” offered Nancy Larsen, Enterprise Facilitator for the SEFP. “While there is a financial investment made by the community to manage the process, there is never a cost to prospective entrepreneurs who receive services, and the process is complimentary to conventional development resources, which are scarce or inaccessible in rural areas. The fact that the sustainability rate for new businesses in a project area such as ours, are at 79.5%, or 35% above the national average after four years, and that 81% of the jobs created still exist is nothing short of amazing. The local investment really brings the community together as a team and is a catalyst for developing relationships and a willingness to work together that might otherwise never have occurred.”
With the entire population served in Turner and Hutchinson Counties totaling less than a mere 17,000 people, and the largest community in the area fewer than 1,700 individuals the SEFP statistics are remarkable. From June 1997 through February 2008 the project numbers include:
• 911 Inquires
• 496 Clients Enrolled
• 58 New Businesses
• 308 Jobs
• 21 Expanded Businesses
• 25 Retained Businesses
“A key component in the value provided by SEFP lies in the long-term success of those clients that were assisted and decided to follow their dreams. Statistically, our clients have remained in business longer than a typical new business venture, partly due to the research and educational processes involved,” offered John McDonald, SEFP Board Treasurer and original board member. “In addition, the assistance provided by SEFP may help a client realize that their dream is not feasible and we can help them avoid an inevitable failure. There is value in the research and educational processes our clients follow, that makes it a good investment and a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
“The ‘economy,’ to us at the Sirolli Institute, is nothing less than millions of people doing beautifully what they love doing. The better they are at it, the better the economy! The difference between poverty and riches is the presence, or not, of civic society, i.e. the combination of social conditions and reciprocity which allow creativity and intelligence to blossom or to wither and die,” explained Dr. Sirolli.
“Our rural communities are fighting and scratching to survive, and while the jobs and economic stimulus provided by SEFP is important, a more important aspect is the people, offered Dr. John Chicoine, one of the original members of the SEFP Board. “The people who are the entrepreneurs that use the resources of SEFP and the Board members who dedicate their time and expertise to serving those people who are starting a business or expanding a business are the real value. The passion involved in this organization with the board and the entrepreneurs is extraordinary, and that passion is what fuels the entrepreneurial spirit.” Dr. Chicoine went on to say, “Dr. Ernesto Sirolli shared his passion with us eleven years ago, and that passion that has enriched and changed lives cannot have a value put on it, it is priceless. He gave us the tools to follow the dream and begin the journey, and what we have created exceeded our expectations after the first five months. The rest is history.”
About Sirolli Institute
Founded in 1996, the Sirolli Institute is a global, not-for-profit organization of experienced professionals with the mission of introducing Enterprise Facilitation to communities seeking to grow their economies from within.
When invited, we help you to establish a community-based organization that works in concert with existing economic development efforts to assist entrepreneurs. This organization serves as a catalyst for renewed community pride and civic spirit.
Since 1985, thousands of new and expanding businesses resulting in thousands of new jobs have been started with the help of Enterprise Facilitators in dozens of communities in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the UK and Canada.
For more information, please visit www.sirolli.com or visit SEFP online at www.sefp.com
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