Zachary Barker

Director of Entrepreneurship @International Economic Development Council

Washington, DC, US

As Director of Entrepreneurship, I lead national efforts to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive inclusive economic growth. My work focuses on creating pathways for communities to enhance their effectiveness in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, ensuring that local economies thrive through innovation and resilience.Key areas of impact include- Ecosystem Development: Designing and implementing strategies that position entrepreneurship as a core driver of economic development- Community Capacity Building: Delivering training, technical assistance, and frameworks that empower local leaders to support business creation and growth- Inclusive Growth: Expanding access to resources, capital, and mentorship for underrepresented entrepreneurs- Thought Leadership: Sharing best practices and insights through research, speaking engagements, and collaborative partnerships.As a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), I bring a data-driven, collaborative approach to building sustainable and scalable, entrepreneur-led economies.

University of Oklahoma College of Professional and Continuing Studies

Economic Development Institute, Economic Development

Murray State University

Master of Science - MS, Economic Development

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Marketing