In this conceptual and practical article, the authors suggest an alternative to the current paradigm for developing enterprises in local communities and regions through-out the United States. They also propose implementing a new approach, called the entrepreneurial development system, for transforming community economies. They first lay out the specifications for the new paradigm, drawing distinctions between current practice and their proposal. They then describe the major components of their proposed enterprise development system; detail its benefits to entrepreneurs, service providers, and the community; and discuss challenges to its full-scale implementation. Throughout, implications for further research suggested by the new paradigm are noted.
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