Startup Huddle is a program that builds local startup communities while crowd-sourcing advice and support, one entrepreneur at a time. Run by the Global Entrepreneurship Network, it consists of monthly, if not weekly, gatherings of local community and business leaders, founders, ecosystem builders, investors and others interested in helping startups in their community.

In addition to providing direct support to entrepreneurs, the program addresses a critical element of success for all ecosystems – connectivity. GEN research shows that startup communities with greater levels of local connectedness translate to an increased number of startups – and that founders with high levels of connectivity grow their revenue twice as fast as those with lower levels.

Held regularly on the same day and at the same time, Startup Huddle increases connectivity by convening the community to see each other while listening to and supporting local founders who give six-minute presentations outlining challenges faced by their company. Each presentation is followed by a 20-minute conversation offering constructive criticism focused on finding solutions and increasing founder know-how. With new founders cycling through each gathering, and previous presenters joining the audience to give back, the community continues to expand while connections deepen.

Currently, there are local chapters in more than 50 cities around the world with more chapters being added each month.

Each Startup Huddle chapter is organized by a local community builder and supported by local partners. GEN connects chapter organizers through a virtual platform to share best practices and create global linkages between ecosystems.

Startup Huddle is made possible through a combination of national licensees who manage the program in their country, a network of volunteer local organizers and corporate partners like Crowne Plaza, a multinational chain of full-service, upscale hotels that caters to entrepreneurs and other business travelers.

The Global Entrepreneurship Network operates programs, like Startup Huddle, that make it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business. Active in more than 180 countries, GEN divides its programs into four distinct categories: those intended to celebrate entrepreneurs and inspire others to follow in their footsteps; those intended to better understand the underlying conditions that best enable entrepreneurs to thrive; those intended to support entrepreneurs through proven policy and programmatic interventions; and those intended to connect entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders and community leaders to strengthen local ecosystems around the world.