Global Entrepreneurship Week is here to help aspiring entrepreneurs connect. It is being held this year from November 14 to 21 with a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and policymakers. The goals are to foster connections between Minnesota entrepreneurs and the world. Global Entrepreneurship Week has impacted entrepreneurs in over 180 countries. Last year, the event in Minnesota had over 100 guests. Global Entrepreneurship Week Minnesota is committed to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs of all ages, races and abilities.
This year, Launch Minnesota is joining forces with GEW as a Co-State Director. “Launch Minnesota is pleased to amplify entrepreneurs and our strong startup community on a global platform by partnering with the Global Entrepreneurship Network," said Ini Augustine, chair of Global Entrepreneurship Week Minnesota. “We are thrilled that Launch Mn is joining to showcase the startup ecosystem of our state to investors and businesses worldwide.”
“We are looking forward to working with others across the state to showcase a week full of activities during this year's Global Entrepreneurship Week," said Neela Malgaard, Executive Director, Launch Minnesota.
Launch Minnesota is a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation. They can also help you learn more about grants and tax credits.
The Twin Cities are a booming hub of economic development, with a regional unemployment rate of just 4 percent. Some of their investments that are bringing growth include: investing in public transportation, preserving affordable housing, and supporting immigrant entrepreneurs. Much of what the Twin Cities are doing to promote economic development can serve as a model for other communities. Where possible, they invest in public transportation and support entrepreneurs through loans and technical assistance. Minnesota has a rich history of using cooperatives to preserve affordable housing and ensure economic opportunity for all. Minnesota also leverages community anchors, such as sports stadiums, that provide significant jobs and promote local spending, and add to the quality of life.
North and Central Minnesota are home to exciting business startups that may offer strong investment potential while creating jobs and building our small cities and rural communities.
“Minnesota’s economy is unique in that we have an extremely strong history of cooperatives and unions," said Augustine. "In fact, Inver Grove Heights is home to the largest cooperative in America, CHS. Our tech industry is among the most innovative in the nation. Our rural sector is an agricultural and natural resource powerhouse and investors worldwide should take notice.”
During Global Entrepreneurship week, there will be many interesting events. The Tiktok for Small Businesses event will take place on November 17, from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. They will go over “what TikTok is and why you should use it as an entrepreneur and small business owner”. Get your tickets at https://mnsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/11203.
Northern Minnesota has many opportunities for investors, and is showcasing them with Investing Closer to Home: Including Greater Minnesota Startups In Your Investment Portfolio. This event will take place on November 17, from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. Join us for an engaging event to hear from others who use a small portion of their investment portfolios to support our Greater Minnesota economy with early-stage investments in new ventures from our backyard. The Zoom link will be emailed the day before the event.
The Black Broadband Summit event will be taking place on November 17, from 10 am to 3 pm. The event is the launch of the nation's first Black-owned, cooperatively run, internet provider. The Summit will explore how the internet is supposed to work and the effects digital inequity has in Black communities. This event is open to all who support digital equity in Black and Brown twin cities neighborhoods. Tickets are available at www.blackbroadbandsummit.com
The Northside Investment Cooperative Enterprise (NICE) is a community-owned investment cooperative in North Minneapolis that purchases properties to create and maintain affordable housing and commercial space for Northside residents prioritizing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Their event will teach attendees how the cooperative model allows Northside residents to have a vested interest in their local community through collective ownership. Register now.
Minnesota Global Entrepreneurship Week has a wide range of events to attend, all with a different purpose. Each one will teach you something new about business and helping your community. Minnesota is thriving, and you can thrive with us! Find all these events and more at www.gewmn.org.