One way to build local power is to catalyze change directly in your community. Another, equally important method is to catalyze the catalysts. To really make change and build sustainable local economies, we need not only entrepreneurs but also people connecting entrepreneurs to each other — someone to champion the local champions. There is solid proof that entrepreneurs fare better when connected to fellow entrepreneurs and mentors. That's where today's guest, Ilana Preuss, comes in. Ilana Preuss connects and supports entrepreneurs and local economies in many ways. Through her company, Recast City, LLC, Preuss advocates for local economic growth through what she calls small-scale manufacturing: nimble, ingenious, local creators who generate economic activity by making stuff and selling it in their communities. She also has worked hard to find solutions to the small business funding gap: BIPOC entrepreneurs, as well as women, have historically found it difficult to access traditional bank financing to start their businesses. How does this dynamic champion of champions do it? Have a listen to this inspiring episode of Building Local Power to find out. For transcript and related resources, see the episode page at https://ilsr.org/articles/blp-champion-of-local-champions