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The Mayors Conference on Entrepreneurship
Mayors Conference

Previous Mayors Conferences

Mayors Conference 2014-2020

The Kauffman Foundation’s annual Mayors Conference on Entrepreneurship brought mayors, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurship experts together to discuss ways to promote startup activity and encourage higher levels of entrepreneurship in their cities.

Mayors and entrepreneurs collaborated and aligned their objectives, creating a new national community where the most difficult problems are addressed using the best aspects of public and private approach. This network exists and supports efforts beyond the events of the conference.

2020

In 2020, mayors and city officials from more than 70 communities participated in the Mayors Conference on Entrepreneurship in an online format. Focusing on working towards racial equity and systems change, the conference provided city leaders with 10 specific programs, policies, and practices that can help build inclusive economic development and strong entrepreneurial ecosystems.

2018

In 2018, more than 142 city officials, including 102 mayors, attended the Mayors Conference on Entrepreneurship in Kansas City, Missouri. Themes of this conference included:

  • Mayors understanding their own data and economic metrics.
  • Discovering innovative policies that improve economic outcomes.
  • Implementing those policies within their unique cities.

Learn more about the 2018 Mayors Conference on Entrepreneurship >

October 25-27, 2017

Zero Barriers. All Possibilities.

Oakland, California | Hosted by Mayor Libby Schaaf

How can mayors work with entrepreneurs to strengthen cities? Mayors worked hands-on to create actionable plans to: 1) Build civic infrastructure by engaging startup businesses as problem-solvers; 2) Increase economic inclusion by growing entrepreneurial communities; and 3) Innovate municipal financing to create jobs in growing companies.

2017 Resources

Civil Infrastructure Presentation | Mayors Conference 2017
Civic Infrastructure Presentation
Civic Infrastructure - Scribing 2 | Mayors Conference 2017
Civic Infrastructure – Scribing 01
Civic Infrastructure - Scribing 1 | Mayors Conference 2017
Civic Infrastructure – Scribing 02
Expert Insights - John Lettieri - Scribing 1 | Mayors Conference 2017
Expert Insights – John Lettieri – Scribing 01
Expert Insights - John Lettieri - Scribing 2 | Mayors Conference 2017
Expert Insights – John Lettieri – Scribing 02
Equitable Economic Development Presentation | Mayors Conference 2017
Equitable Economic Development Presentation
Equitable Economic Development Scribing 1 | Mayors Conference 2017
Equitable Economic Development – Scribing 01
Equitable Economic Development Scribing 2 | Mayors Conference 2017
Equitable Economic Development – Scribing 02
Municipal Finance Presentation | Mayors Conference 2017
Municipal Finance Presentation
Municipal Finance Scribing | Mayors Conference 2017
Municipal Finance – Scribing 01
Municipal Finance Scribing 2 | Mayors Conference 2017
Municipal Finance – Scribing 02
Successful Social Entrepreneurship | Mayors Conference 2017
Successful Social Entrepreneurship
Download the 2017 Agenda [png]
November 30-December 6, 2016

Diversifying Entrepreneurial Opportunity

St. Petersburg, Florida | Hosted by Mayor Rick Kriseman

St. Petersburg skyline

Creating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem requires more than attracting young founders of high-tech startups. Like all healthy ecosystems, it takes variety to thrive. Entrepreneurs come in all stripes and so do their companies and industries. How can a city make entrepreneurial opportunities available to all?

2016 Resources

Download the 2016 Agenda [PDF]
October 6-8, 2015

Recipes for Growth

Albuquerque, New Mexico | Hosted by Mayor Richard J. Berry

Universities, federal research laboratories, industry-leading firms, startup capital, the built environment, and philanthropy are often considered necessary ingredients for generating innovation and entrepreneurship. Do these ingredients yield new and growing firms in cities? How can these ingredients mix together to create a real recipe for entrepreneurial growth?

2015 Resources

Download the 2015 agenda [PDF]
OCtober 15-16, 2014

Making an Entrepreneurial City

Louisville, Kentucky | Hosted by Mayor Greg Fischer

As more and more Americans have access to both the technologies to build things and the networks to learn new skills, creativity is being channeled into new business ventures, economically benefitting both the maker-entrepreneur and others in the community. Not only that, but the Maker Movement has the potential to transform manufacturing and thereby American cities.

2014 Resources

Download the 2014 agenda [PDF]
November 30, 2013

Explore the Possibilities for Your City

Kansas City, Missouri | Hosted by Mayor Sly James

At the inaugural Mayors Conference on Entrepreneurship, mayors and entrepreneurship experts joined together to share insights about promoting startup activity and discuss ways to encourage higher levels of entrepreneurship in cities across the country. The program offered education, discussion, and engagement regarding entrepreneurship policy, implementation, and sharing of ideas.

2013 Resources

Download the 2013 agenda [PDF]