There are a number of ways that SMEs can get involved in Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in a variety of ways. There are thousands of activities happening around the world, not to mention on social networking websites.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs and share their experiences at local activities.
Who is involved in promoting entrepreneurship?
Achieving a country’s full entrepreneurial potential requires every part of society to be involved.
- Entrepreneurs must act as role models for younger people by sharing their stories, mentoring and encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs.
- Governments must support the promotion of entrepreneurship to young people.
- Education systems must equip young people with an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age.
- Businesses must offer opportunities for their employees to develop entrepreneurial skills.
- The media must be encouraged to celebrate entrepreneurship, and to inform the public about the economic and social contribution of entrepreneurs.
Why get involved in Global Entrepreneurship Week?
People and business need to create an environment that allows entrepreneurial behaviour to flourish.
Young people must believe in themselves and strive to make their ideas happen. The drive to nurture enterprising behavior needs business, education, government, voluntary organisations and the media to work together.
Global Entrepreneurship Week is an opportunity to show what thousands of companies do to foster a culture of innovation, imagination and creativity.
What type of events are happening?
It’s estimated that more than 30 000 events will occur around the world during GEW. But there are a number of featured events that demonstrate the global scope and scale of the initiative. Some of these featured events include:
- Global Cleantech Open Ideas Competition is being held in 22 countries
- Speednetwork the Globe is celebrated in 50 countries
- Startup Weekend in 15 cities around the world
- Global Student Entrepreneur Awards are held in 8 countries
- Creativity World Forum 12 Districts of Creativity is held in 12 countries
- EO 24 in 38 countries
Entrepreneurship skills
- Opportunity recognition
- Creativity
- Problem solving
- Risk taking
- Resourcefulness
- Passion for ideas
Countries participating in Global Entrepreneurship Week
Nearly 100 countries are officially participating in Global Entrepreneurship Week. A country is listed as ‘official’ when there is at least one organisation coordinating the campaign for that particular country. This includes recruiting partners, securing VIP participation and endorsements and broadly promoting the aims and objectives of GEW.
Each year, there are a number of countries where ad hoc GEW-related activities occur. These are considered ‘unofficial’ countries for metrics purposes.
