Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world's largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. During one week each November, thousands of events and competitions around the world inspire millions to engage in entrepreneurial activity while connecting them to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors. Now in its fifth year, Global Entrepreneurship Week has expanded to 130 countries—empowering nearly 20 million people through 125,000 activities over that time. Powered by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the initiative is supported by dozens of world leaders and a growing network of 24,000 partner organizations.
Daily Highlights:
Friday, November 16
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The Battles Continue
The second weekend installment of Startup Weekend's Global Startup Battle starts today with another 70 events around the world. Last weekend, more than 500 startups in 35 countries were born out of the 54-hour events. All the new companies formed will battle for prizes and a trip to the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Rio De Janeiro next March. Startup Weekend's CEO talks about what it all means in this Huffington Post article.
Let the Battles Resume 
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Kauffman Global Scholars Names Class of 2013
Thirteen aspiring young entrepreneurs soon will embark on the educational experience of a lifetime as part of the 2013 Kauffman Global Scholars Program. In January, these recent college graduates and students from the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States will come together to begin a six-month immersion in entrepreneurship that includes intensive workshops, visits to leading American universities, and three-month internships.
Learn About the Global Scholars |
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Renewing the Spirit of Innovation
It doesn't get any more entrepreneurial than this. Today we celebrate National Entrepreneurs' Day (Nov. 16), during Global Entrepreneurship Week (Nov. 12 - 18), and National Entrepreneurship Month (November). Thanks to everyone whose work has inspired people everywhere through local, national, and global activities. These activities connect us and celebrate the role entrepreneurs play at the cornerstone of economic and social progress around the world.
Read the Presidential Proclamation |
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GEW-KC Ends with 'Exit Interviews: Lessons Learned from Successful Entrepreneurs'
As the celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week wound down in Kansas City, the Kauffman Foundation hosted a luncheon panel discussion that delivered valuable insights to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. Four prominent Kansas City entrepreneurs who have successfully—and profitably—exited their startups shared their stories and advice. UMB President and COO Peter deSilva moderates.
Watch the Panel Discussion |
Thursday, November 15
Wednesday, November 14
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Do Something, Build Something, Be An Entrepreneur
The newest installment in the Kauffman Sketchbook series encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to avoid getting trapped in the theory and hype of the process that could keep them from getting started. Featuring Geoffrey Clapp, a serial entrepreneur and advisor to numerous startups, the animated video stresses the importance of talking to potential customers, creating a team with a common purpose, and setting clear expectations for a startup's advisors and mentors.
Watch "Go Be An Entrepreneur"
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Entrepreneurship Message Reaches Senate Floor
Entrepreneurs and the jobs they create were a hot topic during the U.S. political campaigns, and the conversation has continued post-election. This week, Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas called for a unified effort to move forward with legislation to revive the economy by supporting innovation, entrepreneurs, and startups.
Watch Senator Moran's Address |
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Assessing the Entrepreneurial Community in Kansas City
The celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week in Kansas City continued with an exploration of the strength of the community's entrepreneurial network, particularly for life sciences and technology startups. Professor Heike Mayer traveled to the Kauffman Foundation from the University of Bern, Switzerland, to share her analysis of the state of the local entrepreneurial community during a lunchtime presentation. Data was gathered last summer from interviews with regional experts, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs who have raised risk capital.
Watch the Presentation |
Tuesday, November 13
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What in the World
Entrepreneurs took the spotlight in Kansas City detailng their businesses duringStartup@Kauffman Demo Day, frontman of U2 and founder of ONE (RED), Bono opened Global Entrepreneurship Week at Georgetown University, and the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, made a surprise visit to get a firsthand look at innovative ideas being developed at Startup Weekend.
Watch Bono's Speech |
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Ready. Set. Speed Network.
Nearly 350 people made a go of speed networking last night to help Kansas City celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week — and to secure a place in the world record book. After polishing their "elevator speeches," each of the participants recorded at least 22 "meetings" of three minutes each during the 75-minute session. Several of the networkers were trying out new techniques they learned in a networking workshop led by Kauffman FastTrac® president Alana Muller.
Read Alana's Networking Tips |
Monday, November 12
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Entrepreneurship Takes Over the World
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) launches today in 130 countries. Since its establishment five years ago, GEW's focus on the appreciation and impact of entrepreneurship has resonated as the cornerstone of economic and social progress around the world. Learn more about the movement that has taken over the world.
Go Global |
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Startup Open Winners Are Some of World’s Brightest Startups
Global Entrepreneurship Week opens with big news as winners of the 2012 Startup Open are announced. Judges evaluated the finalists on the GEW 50 list, and selected the winners based upon each startup’s concept, growth projections and knowledge of its industry.
Find Out Who Won |
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Startup@Kauffman Demo Day a Resounding Success
The Kauffman Foundation marked the official start of Global Entrepreneurship Week in Kansas City with a full slate of entrepreneurs sharing the needs and successes of their startups with community leaders. Startup@Kauffman Demo Day featured business pitches by 24 area entrepreneurs, as well as a luncheon keynote address by successful Internet entrepreneur and early-stage investor Christopher Schroeder.
Watch Demo Day Video |
Global Entrepreneurship Week Illustrated:
