Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development delves into the current thinking on local entrepreneurship development programs and evaluates ways in which practitioners can implement successful entrepreneurship practices. The discussion begins with a broad overview of the changing role of entrepreneurship initiatives in local economic development strategies, proceeds to examine major components of these programs, and concludes with important considerations in starting a local entrepreneurship initiative.

Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development delves into the current thinking on local entrepreneurship development programs and evaluates ways in which practitioners can implement successful entrepreneurship practices. Examining the role and potential for entrepreneurship programs in local economic development strategies, contributors to this edited collection have many years of experience working with entrerpreneurship initiatives in state and local governments. Focused on theory and case study, Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development examines conceptual issues involved in creating entrepreneurship programs as well as practical examples of programs organized by state, regional, and local agencies.

Chapter 1. Introduction and Overview
Chapter 2. Entrepreneurship as Rural Economic Development Policy: A Changing Paradigm
Chapter 3. What's Culture Got to Do with It? Strategies for Strengthening and Entrepreneurial Culture
Chapter 4. Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth
Chapter 5. The Drivers of Regional Entrepreneurship in Rural and Metro Areas
Chapter 6. What Makes a Successful Entrepreneur?
Chapter 7. Building Communities Through Entrepreneurship Development: Financing Entrepreneurs and Entrepreneurial Support Systems
Chapter 8. The Difference Makers: Entrepreneurial Young People
Chapter 9. Effective Entrepreneurship Education Programs
Chapter 10. Economic Development Via Understanding and Growing a Community's Microbusiness Segment
Chapter 11. Energizing Entrepreneurs: Lessons from the Field
Chapter 12. Transforming Rural Economies through Entrepreneurial Networks: A Case Study
Chapter 13. Getting Started in Community-Based Entrepreneurship