Earlier this week, Startup Weekend and the Kauffman Foundation announced a project to create and support vibrant startup communities. Called the Startup Foundation, the program is a grassroots initiative that helps cities build and establish ecosystems that will support more high-growth entrepreneurs, startups, and ultimately, jobs.

"We know from our experiences with local Startup Weekends that entrepreneurship is best supported at the grassroots level," said Marc Nager, CEO of Startup Weekend. "The Startup Foundation will ensure that community leaders across the country have a sustainable platform for which to effect real change within their local communities."

With funding from the Kauffman Foundation, the Startup Foundation will focus on researching and mapping the ecosystems of participating cities to identify influential leaders, programs and gaps in community resources; supporting local initiatives that drive the creation of more entrepreneurs, startups, and jobs; and raising funds for local entrepreneurship support initiatives.

The Startup Foundation currently has eight pilot member cities: Boston; Des Moines; Detroit; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; New York City; Seattle; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Foundation co-founders in each city are mapping their local entrepreneurial ecosystem and interviewing community leaders.

The Startup Foundation already has hosted local startup summits in its eight pilot cities to bring leadership together to discuss their visions for entrepreneurial ecosystems and to identify opportunities and obstacles. These summits have led to the launch of more than 40 new initiatives that directly address community needs and are estimated to support more than 7,200 entrepreneurs, 840 startup teams and 800 jobs.

To join the Startup Foundation initiative, a city leader must apply and be accepted to the program. This leader will manage the Startup Foundation's local activities and be required to raise $100,000 in capital dedicated completely to local operations and initiatives. At least 10 additional cities are expected to join the Startup Foundation in the next year.

tags: Kauffman, Startup Weekend