The Entrepreneurial Community Activation Process (ECAP) is a holistic approach to help communities support innovation and entrepreneurial thinking by understanding their unique characteristics, assets, and opportunities. This program facilitated by Nebraska Extension, provides a framework of education, research and engagement through which communities can better understand current and prospective resident perspectives and aspirations, while inviting residents to help shape the community’s future plans.

By making a commitment to the ECAP program communities will embrace visionary thinking, endorse entrepreneurial leadership, create synergy, and leverage resources for attracting and retaining a working-age population. 

Nebraska Extension educators and partners will facilitate the ECAP program in cooperation with a community sponsoring organization and local ECAP steering committee.

ECAP has been hosted in 20 communities over the past 10 years. Since 2018, the ECAP team has worked with 12 communities, primarily in Northeast Nebraska, to develop plans and actions.