Make Startups Industry Council
Make Startups develops innovative approaches, inspires others to act, and builds networks to support ecosystems across the country.
Advancing Standards for Entrepreneurial Skills
The Make Startups Industry Council is a national governing body guiding standards for entrepreneurial skills training and startup readiness.
The council brings together leaders from finance, entrepreneurship support, workforce development, and economic development to ensure that industry-recognized startup credentials remain rigorous, relevant, and aligned with the needs of founders, investors, and communities.
The council meets quarterly to review program performance and impact data, guide assessment standards, and strengthen the systems that help startups succeed.
Why the Industry Council Matters
Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful drivers of job creation, innovation, and economic mobility. Yet for decades there has been no shared national framework for evaluating entrepreneurial skills and startup readiness.
The Make Startups Industry Council helps close that gap by guiding the standards behind Industry Credentialed Training Programs and strengthening the systems that connect founders, funders, and communities.
Through the council’s leadership, Make Startups continues to develop innovative approaches, inspire action, and build networks that support startup ecosystems across the country.
Council in Action
Policy Leadership & Advocacy
Members of the Make Startups Industry Council actively engage with policymakers and national organizations to advance entrepreneurship, capital access, and ecosystem development.
Our leadership regularly participates in congressional testimony, legislative roundtables, and national policy discussions focused on expanding opportunity through entrepreneurship.
These engagements help ensure that the voices of founders and ecosystem builders are represented in national policy conversations.
Advocacy & Thought Leadership
Learn about Make Startups and our approach
The Make Startups team regularly shares insights, frameworks, and lessons learned from building startup ecosystems across the country.
These ideas reflect our belief that strong networks, trusted standards, and data-informed leadership are essential for helping founders succeed in every community.
What Leaders Are Saying
“The knowledge and passion of the Make Startups team is outstanding. They truly believe in the power of equitable entrepreneurship access as a means of economic growth and community development. They’re easy to work with, incredibly knowledgeable, and, though realistic about the challenge, are encouraging in our ability to get this transformational work done in our states.”
How can we help you Make Startups?
Make Startups works with communities, ecosystem leaders, and policymakers to strengthen entrepreneurship support systems and unlock new pathways for founders.
Public Speaking
We Advocate for Local Innovators
Our team regularly speaks with communities, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders about how to build strong startup networks and expand access to capital.
Whether you're organizing a conference, community event, or policy discussion, we can share practical insights on building thriving startup ecosystems.
Support Services for Communities
Are you ready to Move forward?
Make Startups provides accreditation and support services to organizations working to strengthen entrepreneurship support programs.
We help communities unlock federal funding for entrepreneurship training, strengthen capital partnerships, and build sustainable support systems for founders.
Explore the Communities section above to learn how we can support your region.