About |

I stand shoulder to shoulder with systems thinkers (and doers!) who believe in the power of community to create social change.

I educate, train and advise on how to build thriving equitable ecosystems that propel changemakers forward.

I tell their stories.

What is an ecosystem builder?

Individuals who help entrepreneurs in their communities thrive by actively building a culture of trust and collaboration among emerging and existing actors within their entrepreneurial community.

Champions, advocates and cheerleaders who want to see founders in their communities thrive
incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, mentors, advisors, investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, economic development officers, small business administrators, community builders, researchers, journalists, policymakers and and and...

Ecosystem builders are infrastructure builders, conveners, system architects, listeners, connectors and keystones.

Why 'holistic' matters

As eternal optimists and servant leaders we tend to take the mantra give before you get to the extreme.

Which, unfortunately, puts us at a greater risk of burning out in the name of service to our communities. I help ecosystem builders create their individual approach to maximizing their impact without minimizing themselves.

About me

I support ecosystem builders in doing their work well, with impact, and without burning out. I believe that a rising tide lifts all boats and that community always wins over competition. Anchored in these values, I teach champions of entrepreneurship how to take a systems approach to supporting the doers, dreamers, tinkerers, and makers in their communities.

Through Social Venturers, I create and curate knowledge that helps ecosystem builders thrive, advancing the field through consulting, training, thought leadership, and my podcast Ecosystems for Change🎙️. Every two weeks, I publish Impact Curator, a newsletter that connects ecosystem builders with insights, tools, and one another. And because I believe in the power of coming together, I host meaningful convenings that bring entrepreneurs and practitioners into the same room to learn, share, and grow.

I’ve worked across journalism, nonprofits, government, and the private sector, equipping me with a cross-sector lens. My academic journey spans a Bachelor in European Studies and a Master in Sustainability Sciences, studied across Germany, France, and Australia.

Today, whether I’m advising economic development organizations, training ecosystem practitioners, or telling stories from the field, my work circles back to one purpose: building ecosystems for social change.

I talk about ecosystem building. A lot.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Testimonials

Among many things I appreciate about Anika is having her bright mind in the room as a sounding board and how willing she always is to roll up her sleeves and get in the weeds right next to me. She helped me put the structure in place to focus on and efficiently work on the most important tasks that actually move my business forward. I was seriously spinning my wheels before!

Shelly Rose
Founder, Pure Roots Nutrition

Anika's dedication and passion for nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit in the Shenandoah Valley has been nothing short of inspiring.

The journey she embarked on and the milestones she achieved within the ecosystem have left an indelible mark on the community. Her efforts have not only supported dreamers and doers but have also fostered a culture of trust and collaboration.

Keisha Nicholson
Founder, Love Forward Foundation