Frequently Asked Questions about Global Entrepreneurship Week
What featured events are happening during the Week?
While more than 30,000 events will occur around the world during GEW, 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 22 countries – including New Zealand
- Startup Weekend 15 cities around the world – including New Zealand cities Auckland and Wellington
- Where’s the Book?
- The Great New Zealand Sports Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum and Roadshow
What do you mean by entrepreneurship?
We mean to have ideas and make them happen. Webster’s defines enterprising as marked by an independent, energetic spirit and by readiness to act. The package of skills we are seeking to encourage are:
- Opportunity recognition
- Creativity
- Problem solving
- Risk taking
- Resourcefulness
- Passion for ideas
How many countries are participating in Global Entrepreneurship Week?
There are over 110 countries officially participating in Global Entrepreneurship Week. A country is listed as ‘official’ when there is at least one organization coordinating the campaign for that particular country – 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.
What kind of involvement can I offer to be part of GEW?
Partner – runs their own event and can submit freely to be included in GEW NZ’s listing of NZ events
Ambassador – selected by GEW NZ to promote the initiative
Event Sponsor – receives braning presence, invitations and speaking opportunites by funding an event
Regional Host – coordinates the initiative for a participating region an becomes known as e.g. “GEW Auckland”
How can I learn more about Global Entrepreneurship Week?
In addition to the global website (www.unleashingideas.org) and the New Zealand website (www.unleashingideas.org.nz), you can find additional information and connect with others involved at any of our social media channels:
- YouTube
- Flickr
When is Global Entrepreneurship Week going to be in the next few years?”
GEW evenbts occur throughout the year, but culminates in the following week each year
- 2011 – November 14 – 20
- 2012 – November 12 – 18
- 2013 – November 18 – 24
- 2014 – November 17 – 23
- 2015 – November 16 – 22
Who organizes Global Entrepreneurship Week activities?
The range of people organizing or participating in GEW NZ activities from previous years seems to re-affirm GEW’s belief that achieving an economy’s entrepreneurial potential requires every part of society to be mobilized:
- Entrepreneurs get involved, to act as role models for young people by sharing their stories, mentoring and encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs.
- Government, to support the promotion of entrepreneurship to grow the economy.
- Educational institutions, to equip young people with an enterprising spirit and global mindset—from an early age.
- Businesses, offering opportunities for their employees to develop “intrapreneurial” abilities and/or work with educators to bring the words “commercialization” and “innovation” to the lexicon of students.
- The media, informing the public about the new economic and social changes brought about by entrepreneurial endeavours.
- Social organizations, encouraging self-sufficiency while looking to break down barriers such as language, and enable better social connections.
