ERIC R. PARKER, AIA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
Eric R. Parker, AIA is an architect, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder who designs systems that help communities turn entrepreneurial potential into measurable economic impact.
His work bridges entrepreneurship, workforce development, economic development, public health, and predictive data modeling. Through Make Startups, Eric has pioneered research-based approaches to founder assessment, business support, impact tracking, and capital access, helping communities better understand which entrepreneurs are ready to grow and how to support them more effectively.
Eric serves on regional and national boards focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, investment, and ecosystem strategy. His advocacy and policy work have contributed to local, state, and federal changes that strengthen support for founders and entrepreneurial communities. He was also featured in Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration, published by the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University in 2012.
As Cofounder and President of Make Startups, Eric has led efforts to launch and support more than 2,000 businesses nationwide, helping raise over $35 million in investment and philanthropic capital and contributing to the creation of thousands of jobs.