Thanks to Jonathan Ortmans, head of GEW initiatives, at The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and co-founder of Global Entrepreneurship Week, for taking the time to answer a few questions about this tremendous worldwide inititive in support of entrepreneurship. He shares some insights into the importance of young entrepreneurs in the global economy, some of the people and organizations who support this cause, as well as how you can get involved with Global Entrepreneurship Week activities
What is the background to the Kauffman Foundation Global Entrepreneurship Week?
Jonathan Ortmans: Global Entrepreneurship Week was co-founded in 2008 by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in the United States and Make Your Mark, a business-led government-backed campaign in the United Kingdom. It was designed to harness the power of entrepreneurship in young people and prepare them to be innovators and business owners while increasing their networks their through local, national and global activities and events. Students, educators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, employees, non-profit leaders, government officials and others participate in a host of activities that include virtual and face-to-face events, large-scale competitions and intimate networking gatherings.
What entrepreneurs does the Global Entrepreneurship Week honor?
Jonathan Ortmans: With the goal to inspire young people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity, Global Entrepreneurship Week honors anyone interested in, getting started in, pursuing and/or promoting entrepreneurship. This year, Global Entrepreneurship Week will be celebrated by more than 3 million people and 8,800 organizations in 87 countries from Nov. 16-22.
In the United States alone, more than 1,000 partners – including top universities, non-profit organizations, successful entrepreneurs, government agencies and corporate sponsors – have signed up to support and initiate activities for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2009. During this week, there are an estimated 1,500 activities and events that will take place in the USA – and an estimated 25,000 across the world.
How important are young entrepreneurs to the growth of the global economy?
Jonathan Ortmans: Entrepreneurship is the key to economic recovery, and the next generation of innovators holds that key. Now more than ever, we need to unleash the creativity and ingenuity of our youth by engaging them in the vast possibilities of entrepreneurship. A number of the events throughout Global Entrepreneurship Week are dedicated solely to educating young people and helping mold their ideas and plans into successful ventures.
How does the Kauffman Foundation help young entrepreneurs succeed?
Jonathan Ortmans: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation works to promote the power of entrepreneurship and innovation to grow economies and improve human welfare. The Kauffman Foundation, through its own research and other initiatives, aims to open young people's eyes to the possibility of entrepreneurship, promote entrepreneurship education, raise awareness of entrepreneurship-friendly policies and find alternative pathways for the commercialization of new knowledge and technologies. The Foundation also works to prepare students to be innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders in the 21st century economy through initiatives designed to improve learning in math, engineering, science and technology.
Are there other notable people involved with Global Entrepreneurship Week as well?
Jonathan Ortmans: There are many notable people and organizations either involved with or who have shown support for Global Entrepreneurship Week. Some of the featured speakers and mentors are Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes; Stephen Hanson, founder of B.R. Guest Restaurants; rap music icon Snoop Dogg; Dana White, president of Ultimate Fighting Championship; and Dr. Muhammad Yunus, winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to jumpstart economic and social development in poor, poverty-stricken regions.
And recently, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton issued a public statement of support for Global Entrepreneurship Week, praising its efforts to create new opportunities and businesses, encourage youth to pursue fresh ideas and improve the global economy. Secretary Clinton joins an impressive list of world leaders and successful entrepreneurs who support the Week, including: Gen. Colin L. Powell; Charles, Prince of Wales; Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister of Japan; Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group; Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, Saudi Arabia; Gordon Brown, UK Prime Minister; Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France; John Atta Mills, President of Ghana; Mohammed VI, King of Morocco; and Princess Maxima, Netherlands.
Are there other organizations supporting Global Entrepreneurship Week as well?
Jonathan Ortmans: Organizations supporting Global Entrepreneurship Week include Global Sponsor NYSE Euronext; Global Partners Endeavor; Junior Achievement Worldwide (JA); Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO); DECA; the Prince’s Youth Business International; Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), UK Department for Business Innovation and Skills; MIT Enterprise Forum; the European Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs; and Youth Enterprise and Sustainability.
Visit the website for more information about Global Entrepreneurship Week activities.
