David Ponraj, founder and CEO of Economic Impact Catalyst shares insights on the difficulties of starting a business, highlighting the need for a variety of skills such as finance, sales, and team management. He reflects on his journey in creating a venture that evolved from a simple platform to a sophisticated service blending technology and strategic consulting, akin to Salesforce and McKinsey & Company. Ponraj emphasizes the potential of leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning in economic development, offering services to a diverse range of clients from large states to small communities. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: David Ponraj. Sponsored By: KathodeRay Media, Inc.:  [KathodeRay](https://kathoderay.com) is a full-service marketing agency that connects government organizations to their community. This small (but mighty) woman owned and operated marketing agency can help your community thrive. They use tried and true methods that will connect your organization to your residents using social, digital and traditional media. [https://kathoderay.com](https://kathoderay.com)Links: Economic Impact CatalystEIC-Published White PapersDavid Ponraj | LinkedInEconomic Impact Catalyst | FacebookEconomic Impact Catalyst (@ei_catalyst) | Instagram