Global Entrepreneurship Week - The Entrepreneur Hotline

Because entrepreneurship is an everyday 24/7 endeavour; in conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week; we are hosting The Entrepreneur Hotline Summit. A pilot project providing an around the clock platform focused on entrepreneurship. Part news. Part knowledge sharing. Part Mentoring. Part support hotline. Part resource centre. Part lab. Part network. Fully entrepreneurial. 

Global Entrepreneurship Week

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a collection of tens of thousands of events, activities and competitions each November that inspire millions to explore their potential as an entrepreneur while fostering connections and increasing collaboration within their ecosystems.

Diversity is a driver of innovation and economies suffer if a nation or group of people are underrepresented or face structural barriers – the world needs more entrepreneurs. Powered by the Kauffman Foundation, Global Entrepreneurship Week has expanded to 170+ nations since its launch in 2008 with 20,000 partner organizations now serving as GEN’s community-building backbone.

Through GEW, GEN seeks universality, striving to be inclusive of individuals and communities who have traditionally faced barriers to entrepreneurship whether minority groups, cumbersome traditional institutions or those pushed to the side by strong competition.

Themes for 2019

This year, Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrating four distinct themes: Education, Ecosystems, Inclusion and Policy. During GEW, we will highlight powerful voices,  ambassadors and GEN partner organizations that promote, encourage and support the development of entrepreneurs within each of the four spaces.

EDUCATION | #GEWeducation 
Education can inform and expose people of all ages to entrepreneurship. Communities can mobilize entrepreneurship education through many different vehicles – from early-childhood learning centers, to colleges and universities, vocation institutions, makerspaces and more. Providing the right information and tools to those with an interest in entrepreneurship can foster creativity and skills to grow sustainable businesses – improving not only local entrepreneurial ecosystems, but also strengthening the skilled job force. 

GEW Education works to share resources, raise awareness and provide skills training to potential entrepreneurs around the world. This theme celebrates the tools and programs communities use to foster entrepreneurship. 

ECOSYSTEMS | #GEWecosystems 
The Global Entrepreneurship Network and other entrepreneurship support organizations around the world are looking beyond Silicon Valley to facilitate collaboration and partnership between startup ecosystems in promising mid-tier cities. Sharing knowledge and connecting local ecosystem leaders has become increasingly important in building healthy and thriving entrepreneurial communities. 

GEW Ecosystems aims to inspire communities to collaborate, and share their networks and markets to help their rising startups thrive. This theme celebrates the shared challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship communities and hubs around the world. 

INCLUSION | #GEWinclusion 
Entrepreneurship is a positive force that drives innovation, creates wealth and improves lives in communities, cities and countries alike. But not everyone has the same opportunity. Race, age, gender, or where one lives should not be an obstacle to entrepreneurship. Anyone, anywhere should be able to realize their dream and start a business quickly, inexpensively, and without barriers. 

GEW Inclusion will highlight the work startup champions are doing around the world to minimize barriers and obstacles for entrepreneurs by maximizing inclusion. This theme celebrates diversity in all forms, including women and youth in entrepreneurship. Activities, workshops and speaker series held around the world will explore the obstacles entrepreneurs from underserved populations may face, and discovering solutions through access to success stories, training, capital and mentorship. 

POLICY | #GEWpolicy 
Startup ecosystems are led by their entrepreneurs but government plays an important role in helping them flourish – removing barriers, resetting the regulatory environment and emphasizing connections and catalytic events. A new generation of public sector officials and startup-savvy advisors are hacking policy solutions to help local entrepreneurs start and scale. 

GEW policy will highlight the work of governments and policymakers to help entrepreneurs everywhere start and scale.