Global Entrepreneurship Week (G.E.W.) commences on the second Monday of November every year and lasts for a week. This year, it takes place from November 11 to 17. The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) oversees G.E.W. It was designed as a venue for young entrepreneurs to present their ideas and innovations to a global network of investors. G.E.W. began in 2008 and has since attracted over 10 million participants from over 180 countries. Young Americans looking for business partners to help fund their products, services and ideas can look forward to a week-long of events, activities, and competitions aimed at bolstering their presence in the global economy.
History of Enterprise Week
The term ‘entrepreneur’ derives from the Old French word ‘entreprendre,’ meaning ‘enterprise’ or ‘undertaking.’ It crossed the English Channel to Great Britain in the 15th century, but it wasn’t until 1852 that it took on the meaning we know today: a person who organizes and operates a business and assumes much of the risk. Global Entrepreneurship Week (G.E.W.) is an international observance that was born in 2008 out of Enterprise Week U.K.
After the idea crossed the Atlantic as Entrepreneurship Week U.S.A. in 2007, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation made it an annual week-long celebration of young entrepreneurship in the global marketplace in 2008. When the establishment was announced in 2007, representatives from 37 countries were present, including Jonathan Ortmans, president of G.E.W.; Carl Schramm, former president and C.E.O. of the Kauffman Foundation; and Gordon Brown, former prime minister of the United Kingdom.
Every year, for a week, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from every continent connect with innovators and job creators to help launch their startups. The G.E.W. experience helps them plot their entrepreneurial careers with the insight of those who have strived for similar success before them, whether through local, national, or global activities.
With thousands of events in a variety of formats, from large-scale competitions to cozy seminars, the air is constantly abuzz with the excitement of new possibilities. A diverse range of entrepreneurship support organizations are also present at G.E.W. events, making it a great place to start your search for potential collaborators, mentors, or investors.
Enterprise Week timeline
Silver bars are used as currency to trade for a variety of commodities in Ancient Iraq.
Giovanni Medici establishes the iconic Medici Bank in Florence, the largest of its kind at the time.
The Bank of England is the first to issue permanent banknotes.
American cryptographer David Chaum conceives the idea of digital currency.
Enterprise Week FAQs
Who can attend Global Entrepreneurship Week events?
The great thing about Global Entrepreneurship Week (G.E.W.) events is that they are open to the entire community. So, if you are operating a business, thinking of starting one, or just want to use the opportunity to network, you can drop by!
What is the main reason for the importance of Global Entrepreneurship Week?
G.E.W. brings together people from across industries, countries, time zones, and continents to help us pool our resources into a global reservoir of entrepreneurial talent. This sets the pace for the onward march of civilization as we know it.
Which is the best movie for a budding entrepreneur to watch for inspiration?
We recommend “The Founder” (2016), which tells the story of Ray Kroc, the entrepreneur behind McDonald’s, the largest fast-food restaurant chain in the world today.
How to Observe Enterprise Week
Become an entrepreneur
The world needs entrepreneurs! It all starts with an idea that has the potential to change people’s lives. Attend a G.E.W. event and learn about how to get your business idea funded, set up, and running.
Help spread the word
The organizers of G.E.W. have made available an online toolkit that can help boost your start-up, idea, or activity’s online footprint. It can also help local communities empower people to become entrepreneurs.
Celebrate a local business
Do you know of a small-business owner in your community who could benefit from an entrepreneurial investment? Why not encourage them to take part in G.E.W. events to find investors willing to take their business to the next level?
Why We Love
Working for yourself
The greatest motivation for Americans to become entrepreneurs is being their own boss.
The American Dream
Almost nine of every 10 millionaires in the United States began from scratch as entrepreneurs.
Follow the leader
Unfortunately, the United States ranks only sixth in the world in terms of business development, with Canada holding the top spot.
Work, work, work
According to estimates, an entrepreneur works 66 hours per week on average.
A winning formula
The most common reason startups fail is because of poor market research.
Why Enterprise Week is Important
The winning spirit
An entrepreneur is a “risk-taker.” By experimenting with products and services, entrepreneurs benefit society by providing employment and helping to speed up the pace of economic change.
It celebrates human curiosity
Entrepreneurship is the mechanism by which our society’s brightest stars are incentivized to bring their best ideas to the fore. By keeping the wheels of progress turning, entrepreneurs are constantly helping to upgrade our world.
Innovate to accelerate
Entrepreneurship is the soul of innovation, and it can quickly step in to address people’s real needs. For instance, when the unemployment rate hits an all-time low, entrepreneurs have the power to step in and create jobs for people in need.
Enterprise Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 14 | Monday |
| 2023 | November 13 | Monday |
| 2024 | November 11 | Monday |
| 2025 | November 10 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 9 | Monday |
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