Businessmen and entrepreneurs want to build up new tech hubs in the middle of the U.S., but Midwestern humility and a lack of monetary drive hold them back.
Entrepreneurs, such as John Wirtz of Hudl, believe that start-up companies can thrive in the Midwest. But, as Eric Markowitz reports, companies need to keep the talent from running off to the coasts and businessmen need to shake their sense of farmer's humility.
Dusty Reynolds, director of entrepreneurship and innovation for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged that farmers used to never talk about their farming practices or successes, and believes that restrained mentality has continued in Midwestern start-ups.
Investor Tom Chapman's opinion aligns with Reynolds's: "I think we're bad at PR. That creates two problems. One, the entrepreneurs are not going to go out and toot their own horn. The second problem is that we don't have enough guys who want to have a billion-dollar company."
But be sure not to underestimate the Silicon Prairie's companies. Wirtz warns, "We are destroying our competitors...you better pay attention or else you're going to get beat."
FULL STORY: The Trouble with Starting Up in the Heartland
Detroit and Michigan on the Upswing
It's been 66 years since the Motor City last grew its population. Census data released last month revealed an increase of nearly 2,000 people last year, nearly half the state's population growth.
The 15 Fastest-Growing Cities in the US
The U.S. Census Bureau released new 2023 population estimates on May 16 showing a slew of data for cities of all sizes and regions. Do you know the population change last year for the 15 largest cities in your state?
Kansas City: 'Silicon Prairie?'
The city's growth and the arrival of tech giants like Meta could signal a tech-based renaissance.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)