UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Pennsylvania community members, along with Penn State students, faculty and staff, are encouraged to mark their calendars for Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Penn State, scheduled for Nov. 18-24.
GEW celebrates the relationships between Penn State and local entrepreneurial communities. The week will feature free in-person and virtual presentations, workshops and networking opportunities geared specifically toward local entrepreneurs, small businesses, startups and innovators.
From a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of River Raptor Jet Boats in Belleville to a Community Networking Event at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College, there will be opportunities for entrepreneurs from various regions to get involved.
Presented by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), GEW will feature events across the SBDC’s four-county service area, including Centre, Clinton, Mifflin and Lycoming counties.
"We are excited to offer events throughout the week that will bring different organizations and entrepreneurial community members together under the central goal of breaking down barriers to success,” said Tim Keohane, director of the Penn State SBDC. “We’re focused on creating opportunities for people to connect, grow and engage with the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, while learning about the resources available to them in their counties.”
Check out the full schedule of events and register for your favorites now.
Featured events include:
Boots to Business Reboot
Friday, Nov. 15, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hybrid
Veterans of all eras, active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and spouses are eligible to participate. The one-day course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals.
This course is a flagship program of the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), now officially administered by Penn State.
Community Networking Event (CBICC After Hours)
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m.
In-person
Hosted in partnership with the Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County, Centre Region Entrepreneur Network, and Women’s Networking Group, this exciting annual community networking event welcomes local entrepreneurs and innovators to explore the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College.
River Raptor Jet Boat Entrepreneurial Meet-Up
Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m.
In-person
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of River Raptor Jet Boats, a Belleville-based company renowned for building world-class aluminum jet boats and jet boat systems.
Golden Connections – the Power of Small Business Collaboration
Thursday, Nov. 21, 9:30-11 a.m.
In-person
This event will spotlight Hanna Stover, owner of Momoyo Otsu, a clothing boutique based in Lock Haven. Stover will share her entrepreneurial journey, including the inception of her boutique and her collaborative efforts with Martina Guerra of Martina Guerra Goldsmith in Jersey Shore. Discover how their partnership and active involvement in local economic boards have propelled their small businesses forward.
GEW PM Exchange at New Trail Brewing Company
Thursday, Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m.
In-person
This PM Exchange offers a fantastic opportunity for local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with one another and with economic partners who can provide valuable resources and support. Enjoy New Trail’s signature beers and a selection of light appetizers as you build relationships in the tasting room.
For event updates and information, follow Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State on social media at @gewpennstate.
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.