Economic studies from around the globe consistently link entrepreneurship – particularly of the fast-growth variety – with rapid job creation, GDP growth, and long-term productivity increases. Our region has many organizations involved in job creation on a larger scale (attracting new business investment, helping existing businesses to grow). What we lack is a region-wide focus on nurturing and supporting entrepreneurs, particularly those whose focus is creating new businesses based on innovation and new products. IF Windsor-Essex will cultivate an environment in which entrepreneurs can thrive, new ideas can take root, and new businesses can emerge and grow.