Having been in two nascent startup communities (Seattle ca. 2005 and now Detroit), this resonates.
But I'd go one step further: it's all about the founders. These things work best when they're authentically by founders, for founders.
Founders are the heroes.
Want to grow your startup community?
Start simple.
Host a weekly entrepreneur lunch.
Develop a monthly speaker series.
Create a quarterly pitch event.
Leaders don't need a title to lead.
Build community. It all starts with people.