Congressman Seth Moulton Talks Startups | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Congressman Seth Moulton Talks Startups

Massachusetts representative seeks closer relationship between startups and policymakers.

33
Congressman Seth Moulton Talks Startups

Co-written with Evan Engstrom

The American Dream is built on the premise that regardless of who you are or where you’re born, if you work hard you can achieve greatness. Over the past century, entrepreneurs have embodied this ideal. The son of a Syrian migrant created one of the world’s most valuable companies out of his garage in California. Companies that were started in dorm rooms and university labs have changed the way we live and work.

Today, startups are the backbone of our nation’s economy. They drive growth and innovation, create jobs, and transform communities. According to research by the Kauffman Foundation, small, young firms have created an average of 1.5 million jobs per year over the past three decades, accounting for nearly all net new job growth. Fortunately, this growth is no longer limited to traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley. It is happening all over the country. In towns across America—from Salem to Nashville to San Diego—new startup hubs are rising, capitalizing on local assets to bring ideas to life and transform local economies.

There is a growing recognition that creating a national and local environment where startups can thrive and scale is critical. While a great idea creates a foundation, fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that connects startups with partners in education, investment, and government is essential to transforming that idea into reality. There is an increasing awareness in Congress that pushing policies that foster startup innovation brings new businesses and jobs to their districts.

Still, a gap between startups and policymakers remains. Many members of Congress are not aware of the enormous impact these young companies are having in their own districts. On the other side, many startups are not aware of the outsized impact that government policies and resources can have on their chances at success. Startups help to bridge this gap, but nothing compares to a direct relationship between an elected official and his or her constituents.

As a former entrepreneur and current member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and as the head of a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to amplify the voice of startups in D.C., we recognize the tremendous importance of building a lasting dialogue between policymakers and startups. That’s why we were excited to partner with a number of other organizations and the members of the Congressional Caucus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the fourth-annual Startup Day Across America, which took place last week.

On August 4, dozens of members of Congress participated in events with entrepreneurs, incubators, and accelerators to celebrate the ingenuity and innovation taking place in their districts and states. In cities and towns around the country, elected officials had the chance to see firsthand how startups are leveraging the power of technology to develop new products and services at an unprecedented rate and drive economic growth in their districts. At these same events, entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their work and tell policymakers how and why supportive policies make a difference.

In Massachusetts, we organized a roundtable discussion that featured an impressive group of local entrepreneurs that highlighted how startup companies in the Sixth District are creating jobs and producing innovative products to solve real-world challenges.

Entrepreneurs often take substantial financial risks in order to get a business off the ground, and it is critical that local entrepreneurs have the support of their elected representatives.

Whether it’s a tour of a local incubator, a demo from a startup, or simply a phone call with an entrepreneur in your district, these important conversations don’t just have to take place on a single day in August. We encourage lawmakers to schedule conversations with startups throughout the year and consistently connect and build relationships with the innovators driving economic growth in their communities. From protecting net neutrality to finding ways to drive capital to diverse entrepreneurs, lawmakers have the power to craft and champion policies that support startups. It’s critical that policymakers make an effort to understand what those policies are, according to the startups creating change right in their own backyards. And who knows—one of us may meet the next Steve Jobs, chasing the American Dream from his or her very own garage.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

194817
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17623
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459963
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27817
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments