With Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2021 right around the corner, national organizers are working hard to bring campaigns to life in 200 countries. In the weeks leading up to GEW (Nov. 8-14), GEN will spotlight some of these campaigns to share how entrepreneurs are being inspired and empowered in different parts of the world.
GEN caught up with Sofia Venegas, Coordinator of the Kirzner Entrepreneurship Center at Universidad Francisco Marroquín and the lead for GEW Guatemala, to learn about the activities planned, the collaboration taking place to make it all possible, and goals for the 2021 campaign.
GEN: How is Guatemala coming together to celebrate GEW?
Sofia Venegas, GEW Guatemala: Entrepreneurs, universities, incubation hubs, innovation hubs and many more institutions and organizations from various cities around Guatemala are coming together to celebrate GEW this year. Virtual events and activities have helped developed collaborations between partners from different cities, which helps the growth and enrichment of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Guatemala.
GEN: What key activities are taking place in Guatemala during GEW?
Sofia Venegas, GEW Guatemala: There will be a great deal of activities during GEW. We are planning to cover many important and key topics for the growth of the entrepreneurship ecosystem Some of these topics include finances, accounting, legalities, marketing, budgeting, branding, social media, banking, education, collaboration, media, economy and partnerships. More information on these events will be available soon.
GEN: What are your goals for GEW 2021?
Sofia Venegas, GEW Guatemala: Our goals for GEW 2021 are having more than 60 partners and more than 80 events and activities.
GEN: Why is Global Entrepreneurship Week important for Guatemala’s startup ecosystem?
Sofia Venegas, GEW Guatemala: GEW is important for Guatemala's startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem because it allows valuable connections to develop between all kinds of people and organizations. It also helps participants feel like they belong to a community of people who help and support each other.
GEN: What do you want the world to know about your country's startup ecosystem? What trends, if any, are you noticing?
Sofia Venegas, GEW Guatemala: We've seen a special growth in successful technology and innovation startups in Guatemala, and they are looking to expand outside national borders.
To learn more about Global Entrepreneurship Week activities in your region, visit www.gew.co.