Frequently Asked Questions

 

EVENT FAQS

What is the Global Entrepreneurship Congress?

  • Since launching in 2009 in Kansas City, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress has grown from 200 delegates to several thousand from more than 200 countries and territories participating. Hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network, and a local organization from the host country, the GEC explores the latest programs, policies and efforts to help entrepreneurs start and scale.

Why is the GEC important?

  • The globalization of entrepreneurship has brought an explosion of programs, startup communities and investment into a new field where there is a paucity of data around what works and what does not in supporting nascent entrepreneurs and new firms forming and trying to scale. Traditional business, education and government leaders have been eager champions, but they need more sophisticated tools, programs and research to help them most efficiently direct their attention and funds to areas that have the greatest impact on future economic growth. The GEC helps address these needs by identifying effective initiatives – in all types of economies, large or small, advanced or developing – that positively impact entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world.

Where has the Global Entrepreneurship Congress been held in previous years?

  • The following cities have hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Congress: Kansas City (2009), Dubai (2010), Shanghai (2011), Liverpool (2012), Rio de Janeiro (2013), Moscow (2014), Milan (2015), Medellín (2016), Johannesburg (2017), Istanbul (2018), Bahrain (2019), Riyadh (2022), Melbourne (2023) and Indianapolis (2025).

Who can participate?

  • Everyone is invited to take part in the GEC. Participants represent all parts of the global entrepreneurship ecosystem: entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, government officials, startup support organizations, educators and more.