Yesterday I spent the morning in a meeting with Ernesto Sirolli, along with 40 other interested persons in Business growth in Abilene. It was one of the best meetings I have ever attended and Ernesto offers a real solution to rual economic development.

Enterprise Facilitation is a program to promote business opportunities rather than developing or implementing economic development plans or programs. The following illustrates the implementation and operation of an Enterprise Facilitation program:

The Sirolli Institute goes into the community and makes a presentation to interested parties at the community’s or community organization’s request. After this initial meeting, a core community leadership group forms and invites the Sirolli Institute to assist in the formation of a 30-40 member Enterprise Facilitation Local Board of Management.

Local Board of Management membership is composed of community leaders and local citizens with expertise in areas such as law, marketing, education, financial management, real estate, and small business. This Board is recruited and trained by the Sirolli Institute in the Enterprise Facilitation method which includes both their governance and operational responsibilities. The role of the Local Board of Management is to provide referrals and contacts with local resources to the Enterprise Facilitator. The Enterprise Facilitator and up to 11 board members are also trained by the Sirolli Institute.

Enterprise Facilitation