Inside 43215: Downtown Lifestyles
TURNING THE TABLES
We’re used to seeing Walker Evans ask the questions on ColumbusUnderground, but we turned the tables on him and asked a few of our own about the launch of the new online business venture of The Metropreneur.
In the Walker-esque interview style, see what he has to say about launching Metropreneur and what his plans include.
Where did the idea come from?
Earlier this year when we brought Anne (Evans) in full-time, there was a lot of research involved. We asked what our next step would be. Columbus Underground has grown organically, and we didn’t want to push it in a way that wasn’t natural, but what if we spun off to another area that involved business and urban development?
We touch upon that from time to time already, but with Metropreneur we are creating a separate place to show people what steps to take if they are thinking about opening or growing a business. Metropreneur can be one-stop shopping for resources.
Why is this important?
It’s important because entrepreneurs generally have really good ideas and an understanding of one or two pieces of a puzzle to create a successful business. They may need help in specific areas, but may not have the connections or knowledge they need. Other people just aren’t familiar with everything they need to start or grow a business, so it’s a matter of finding the resources of who to call and where to go – Metropreneur can provide that service. What we would like to be is a starting point in Central Ohio.
Do you cover all of Columbus?
Columbus Underground has always had a pro-urban feel, but never an anti-suburban, but there is definitely a focus on the center of the city. With Metropreneur, we are trying to be more regionally balanced. We have a great mix in Central Ohio because we have both urban and agricultural businesses. We are trying to branch out and cover all areas of the region.
What is your goal for Metropreneur?
Short term, we want to grow a resource list of 250 contacts that are helpful to people starting or growing a business. We also want Metropreneur to play a provocative role in economic development. Columbus Underground had a little of that, but Metropreneur can spell out in a more specific way how to do it – give Steps 1, 2, 3 on what you need to do to develop a plan.
Next year we want to put together an online contest where aspiring entrepreneurs can submit rough drafts of business plans, and winners may receive a jump start for their business package. Long term, we may look at the possibility of growing into other cities, maybe franchising. In my heart I’m attached to Columbus, but it has the potential to be much bigger.
Why are you so invested in Columbus?
I grew up in Marysville, went to OSU and have been in Columbus ever since. I had a lot of friends here and then I met my wife. As I got to know the city more and more, I came to appreciate all that Columbus has to offer. It’s small enough to be friendly and has that small town charm, but big enough to always have something to do.
As a proponent of urban development, it’s rewarding to be part of the development and dig in and get your hands dirty. At the end of the day, it’s rewarding to know that I am taking part of the process – civic engagement is also my favorite past time.
September 17th, 2010 at 8:44 am
Thanks for the interview! I really appreciate it!