Local organizations take center stage in global entrepreneurship event

During the week of Nov. 15-19, entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages in West Michigan will have a smorgasbord of opportunities to learn, network and be inspired.

As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, Grand Valley State University's Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will be facilitating a series of 16 events including business plan training, speakers and pitch competitions to help celebrate and inspire imagination and creativity.

According to Linda Chamberlain, executive director of CEI, the activities in West Michigan will hopefully do more than just celebrate past accomplishments. After the week is over, "We hope to build on that energy to help entrepreneurs create value," she says.

Ryan Vaughn, entrepreneur and founder of Varsity News Network, is also a believer in the potential for events like this to create value.

"GEW is a chance for entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids to learn from and collaborate with our colleagues, both locally and around the world," says Vaughn. "I'll take what I learn from any one of the events and apply it to our company the next day."

Ten organizations will be helping to bring these events to West Michigan including the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Lakeshore Advantage, Cornerstone University, the Muskegon Inventors's Network, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and The Factory.

Regionally, Michigan Emerging is a day-long event that will be held in Dearborn, MI on November 17. This conference is intended to help connect entrepreneurs, inventors and investors from throughout the state and hopefully serve as a catalyst for new venture formation.

Global Entrepreneurship Week, founded by the Kauffman Foundation and Enterprise UK, is expected to have countries across six continents participating.

Find out more about Global Entrepreneurship Week at their website. For a listing of events, visit the community calendar for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

Source: Ryan Vaughn
Writer: John Rumery, Innovations and Job News Editor