Global Entrepreneurship Week kicks off today

The world’s most significant campaign to promote entrepreneurship begins in earnest today.

The Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an event which aims to “inspire and empower” the next generation of entrepreneurs, with more than 300,000 people in the UK alone said to be taking part.

GEW will be celebrated in more than 140 other countries too, with around 30,000 events taking place in an effort to encourage the next generation of businessmen and women to put their creativity, drive and ambition to good use.

Now in its eighth year, GEW has exploded into a worldwide phenomenon, with around 25,000 different organisations involved from local schools to global conglomerates.

This year’s UK host, in partnership with Barclays, is Youth Business International (YBI), a not-for-profit organisation that supports driven young people in starting their own businesses.

The theme for GEW 2014 is “Get Connected”, following last year’s survey of participants which found that almost half (43 per cent) felt making new contacts and expanding their reach was a key priority.

Andrew Davenport, chief executive of YBI, said: “Successful entrepreneurs need connections to get their businesses going, and that’s what Global Entrepreneurship Week aims to deliver.

“The campaign is a great way to celebrate innovators of all ages, show people all of the support that’s available to them, and connect up entrepreneurs with the backing that they need.”

Vince Cable, Business Secretary, insists the Government will continue to throw its weight behind sustained growth within the private sector.

“Thousands of young people are now successfully putting their creativity, drive and aspiration into setting up their own business,” said Cable.

“Private sector growth has been key to our recovery and the Government has put in place a range of measures to enable young entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality.

“I am pleased to support Global Entrepreneurship Week and I hope the initiative’s events will inspire the country’s next generation of business leaders.”


Image: Guilhem Vellut

Date published 17 Nov 2014 | Last updated 17 Nov 2014