Small Business Focus: Insights from the Innovation Economy Podcast

January 23, 2025 | By Alex Held

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, the role of small businesses has never been more crucial.In a recent episode of “The Innovation Economy with Arlington Economic Development” podcast, it is made clear thatsmall businesses are not just economic entities; they are the very fabric that weaves together the community. They embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, foster local culture and contribute significantly to the economy, making them indispensable to the vitality of communities. These establishments are not merely places of commerce; they are integral to the social fabric, helping to create a sense of identity and cohesion among residents.

In this month’s podcast, host Susan Soroko interviews Alex Held, Small Business Manager with BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development. Throughout the episode, Susan and Alex discuss all things small business and entrepreneurship and explore how supporting small businesses is key to supporting the community itself. 

 As the new year begins, many businesses take this time to strategize, set goals and envision their growth. Alex highlights the resources BizLaunch offers to help businesses achieve their 2025 objectives, including new programming and upcoming events such as:

• BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and Pitch Fest
• BizLaunch Resources

Additionally, Alex discusses small business trends in Arlington and shares insights on how startups can better manage risk and join the 50% of businesses that succeed beyond five years.

The Innovation Economy Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, and other major platforms.

For more information about BizLaunch, visit www.bizlaunch.org.