The Global Entrepreneurship Network has announced the finalists for the 2025 GEN Compass Awards, a celebration recognizing outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, policymaking, investment, research, and entrepreneur support programs. The awards honor those making a difference in helping entrepreneurs start and scale around the world.
Nominees will be celebrated and winners will be revealed during the Compass Awards Ceremony, taking place at the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Indianapolis, USA — a gathering of founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders from 20 countries.
The GEN Rookie Award recognizes an individual or organization new to the Global Entrepreneurship Network for their contributions to advancing entrepreneurship through a GEN program.
The nominees in this category are...
Seun Richards, GEN Ambassador in Canada
Seun is a rising global leader and purpose-driven change-maker. Since joining GEN, he has helped expand inclusive programming across the country, mobilized a dedicated volunteer team, and developed key strategic partners, growing GEN’s engagement throughout Canada.
Gloria Viscasillas, Executive Director, Echar Pa'Lante
A long-standing catalyst of Puerto Rico's startup scene, Gloria joined GEN to convene peers across Latin America and the Caribbean at GEC+Puerto Rico - sparking cross-border partnerships and commitments to initiatives driving economic growth through entrepreneurship.
Phumlani Nkontwana, Founding Director, Allan Gray Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship
For transformative leadership, advancing data-driven ecosystem research and inclusive program design. He launched the first Africa Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Index at GEC+. This tool is reshaping how stakeholders understand and support entrepreneurial growth across the continent.
Viviana Angulo, WeInvest
For her contributions to GEN’s work in Bolivia and her role as an ambassador in helping to expand our support across Latin America. Beyond founding a pioneering startup accelerator in Bolivia, Viviana is advancing investment ecosystems in Puerto Rico and Chile.
Kendra Byers, Business Engagement Manager at Bright Red Triangle, and local organizer for Startup Huddle Edinburgh
For creating a safe. collaborative space where entrepreneurs – including women and non-binary founders - feel seen, heard, and supported. Her Startup Huddle chapter meetups offer real-time advice, shared strength, and the confidence to grow businesses —and communities—together.