Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Penn State, scheduled for Nov. 13-19, is a collaborative weeklong event between the university and local communities, featuring presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities geared specifically to entrepreneurs, local startups, innovators, and those interested in thinking outside the box. No Penn State affiliation is required to attend, and most events are no cost and open to the public.
Presented by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week events will be hosted in the center’s four-county service area including Centre, Clinton, Mifflin, and Lycoming counties, as well as Penn State campus communities across the state. This week of events offers a vast range of workshops and networking opportunities to help small business owners and entrepreneurs advance their companies or innovative ideas.
"Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State will continue to empower both seasoned entrepreneurs and emerging visionaries, fostering meaningful connections among those committed to driving innovation and creating a lasting influence," said Tim Keohane, director of Penn State SBDC. "This year, we are excited to host events across our four-county service area, bringing a focus to networking amongst the local community businesses we support. This year's event roster will spotlight the forefront of entrepreneurial discussions, encompassing education, ecosystems, inclusivity, and policy."
For a full schedule of events at all participating Penn State campuses and to view virtual attendance opportunities, visit the Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State schedule. Featured Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State events include:
Avoiding Credit Catastrophes & Debt Disasters for Small Businesses
9 – 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at MCS Bank, 100 Commerce Drive, Milroy, PA 17063
Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners can gain crucial insights into credit and debt management. Discover the keys to business loan approval, credit optimization, and financial success from featured speaker, Peter Ort, SVP/Chief Operating Officer at MCS Bank in Milroy, Pennsylvania. Registration is required for this hybrid event, presented in partnership with MCS Bank.
Community Networking Event (CBICC Business After Hours)
5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, 123 S. Burrowes St, State College, PA 16801
Network and foster community connections during this evening event. Explore the state-of-the-art Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College, with tours of this dynamic 85,000-square-foot building, home to Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank and OriginLabs. Enjoy complimentary food and drinks from local vendors as you connect with local entrepreneurs and innovators. Registration is required for this in-person event. This event is free to both Chamber of Business and Industry in Centre County (CBICC) and non-CBICC members and is hosted in partnership with CBICC, the Women’s Networking Group (WiNGS) and Centre Region Entrepreneur Network (CREN).
What Happens If I Fail? Resilience, Identity, and Failure in Entrepreneurial Ventures
Noon – 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub
Join Tom Katona and Sarah Zappe for an interactive session exploring the complex reality of failure in entrepreneurship. Based on their NSF-funded project, this event delves into the mental health impacts of business failure, offering insights on both detrimental and protective factors, making it essential for aspiring entrepreneurs and valuable for faculty teaching entrepreneurship. Registration is required for this hybrid event.
The Digital Marketing Blueprint Series: Producing Small Business Video Content
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at The Gamble Mill, 160 Dunlop St, Bellefonte, PA 16823
Discover the potential of video marketing in today's digital landscape by joining this workshop featuring guest speakers Corey Beasley and Casey Walke. Whether you're a novice or seeking to elevate your video marketing game, this session will equip small business owners with the skills and insights needed to enhance brand visibility, engage customers, and boost sales. Registration is required for this hybrid event.
Growing Your Business in the PA Wilds
4 – 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Oregon Hill Winery, 67 Reservoir Road, McElhattan, PA 17748
Entrepreneurs in the Pennsylvania Wilds region can join this event for an informative in-person session. Discover valuable resources and opportunities for business growth in this picturesque 13-county region while networking with like-minded individuals, and enjoy snacks provided by Pearl's Cafe on Main. Registration is required for this in-person event, presented in partnership with the PA Wilds, Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), and SEDA-COG.
Lycoming Business Connect: Resource & Networking Event
5:30 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Pajama Factory, 1307 Park Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701
This event will bring together the local community and Penn State resources to empower Lycoming County business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, offering valuable support and guidance for the business journey. With a diverse range of organizations in attendance, this event is an opportunity to elevate business aspirations and connect with valuable resources for success. Registration is required for this in-person event.
Additional Programming
Other events made to inspire entrepreneurs include Basic Legal Considerations for Startups and Small Businesses, presented by the Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic, and Fostering an Innovative Mindset for Manufacturers, presented by the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP).
Events across Penn State campuses include Top 5 in Twenty-Five Speaker Series: Is My Business Bankable?, presented by Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite Family and the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, and Business Model Canvas 101, presented by Hazelton LaunchBox supported by Pasco L. Schiavo, Esq. and Lehigh Valley LaunchBox powered by Penn State.
Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrates and empowers entrepreneurs in more than 180 countries around the world to help break down cultural barriers and reach new audiences. Each November, roughly 10 million people take part in tens of thousands of activities, competitions and events that inspire them to act and provide them with the knowledge, experience, and connections they need to succeed.
For event updates and information, follow Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State on social media at @gewpennstate.
About Invent Penn State
Invent Penn State is a commonwealth-wide initiative to spur economic development, job creation and student career success. Invent Penn State blends entrepreneurship-focused academic programs, business startup training and incubation, funding for commercialization, and university/community/industry collaborations to facilitate the challenging process of turning research discoveries into valuable products and services that can benefit Pennsylvanians and humankind.
Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State partners with Invent Penn State to help further its mission of economic development, student career success, and job creation.
This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development.
About the Penn State SBDC
Funding support and resources are provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development; and in part through support from Penn State and with assistance from Lock Haven University. All services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. SBDC services are not available to individuals or entities that have been debarred or suspended by the federal government.
SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Penn State SBDC services Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, and Mifflin counties in central Pennsylvania.