Entrepreneurship@DU Speaker Series: Rethinking Entrepreneurship in America

In his new book, “The New Builders,” Seth Levine argues that entrepreneurship in the United States is dying and has been for some time. Despite the popular belief that entrepreneurship is thriving, new firms are being started at a slower rate, employing fewer workers, and are being formed disproportionately in just a few major cities. Meanwhile, large chains are opening more locations, displacing Main Street businesses.

Seth believes that the future of American entrepreneurship lies in surprising places, particularly in the success of women, black, and brown entrepreneurs. However, our country has yet to recognize the identities of these “New Builders” and develop strategies to support them. The typical image of an American entrepreneur as a young, white male starting a technology business in Silicon Valley or New York is a core misperception that drives our misunderstanding.

Join us as Seth shares insights from his book, “The New Builders,” and discusses the future of American entrepreneurship, arguing that it will rely on the success of women, black and brown entrepreneurs, and surprising places. Let’s rethink entrepreneurship in America and support the next generation of builders.