S3 E4 #70 "No Man's Land"

S3 E4 #70 "No Man's Land"

From ElevatePolk by Chrissanne Long, Dan Thumberg

April 29, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 70

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Polk County, emphasizing the need for better resources and collaboration.

In this episode of Elevate Polk, Chrissanne Long and Dan Thumberg unpack a phrase that came up in a recent conversation about business resources, regional funding, and the way Polk County is often perceived between Tampa and Orlando. While Polk has talent, ambition, and plenty of hardworking entrepreneurs, too many business owners still struggle to find the resources, connections, and support they need to grow. Chrissanne and Dan explore how outdated perceptions of Polk County continue to shape outside opinions, why business resources can feel fragmented or hard to find, and how resource mapping, ecosystem building, and intentional collaboration could help close the gap. They also discuss the importance of moving “beyond collisions” — beyond chance meetings and lucky introductions — toward a more organized, visible, and accessible system of support for entrepreneurs across the county. This conversation is both honest and hopeful: Polk County should not be no man’s land. It is full of people, businesses, ideas, and opportunities worth investing in. The question is whether we are willing to build the bridges that help more entrepreneurs find their way.

People in this episode

Hosts: Chrissanne Long, Dan Thumberg

Topics covered

  • business resources
  • regional funding
  • entrepreneurship
  • Polk County
  • ecosystem building
  • collaboration

Keywords

  • Polk County
  • business resources
  • entrepreneurship
  • regional funding
  • ecosystem building
  • collaboration
  • support

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Polk County, Tampa, Orlando

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