Global Entrepreneurship Week Nevada is only halfway through, and the first several days have already shown why this state is becoming one of the most collaborative and community-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems in the country.
A Kickoff That Set the Tone
GEW Nevada launched rain or shine at Tech Alley, where hundreds of founders, Veterans, students, creatives, and small-business owners gathered for a statewide celebration of collaboration. In a powerful moment of ecosystem generosity, Dan Rodriguez with MAV stepped up and provided an incredible space for the kickoff panel, helping set the tone for the entire week. With organizers from four cities represented, the kickoff underscored Nevada’s commitment to building an ecosystem where anyone, at any stage, can plug in and find support.
GEW Isn’t Just Tech. It’s Every Kind of Entrepreneur
A clear reminder came when Asset Appeal, a local watch and jewelry brand, opened its first brick-and-mortar store during GEW. GEW State Coordinator Dave Burlin served as special guest DJ, showcasing that brick-and-mortar retailers, makers, and creative founders are just as essential to GEW as startups and tech innovators.
Designing the Future of Las Vegas...Together
Social Exchange brought one of Nevada’s most inspiring collaborative moments to life through No Bad Ideas: Community Co-Work + Future Design Lab, hosted at StarBase. Founders, creatives, Veterans, and students worked side-by-side through rapid innovation games to envision the future of Las Vegas — from Veteran-led innovation hubs to cross-industry creative and wellness corridors.
This event held special meaning…
It all began with a single connection between Dave Burlin and Taylor Goodyear (Social Exchange) at GEW 2022.
What started as a moment of collaboration has grown into a multi-year partnership powering some of Nevada’s most dynamic community programming.
A Week That Draws People In, Even Across State Lines
GEW Nevada is also attracting new partners from beyond state borders. JP Prado, a Veteran from San Diego with Western Governors University, came for one event 14 days ago, and ended up wandering into the GEW kickoff and instantly found himself inside a thriving, welcoming ecosystem. He’s now exploring ways to connect Nevada’s entrepreneurial momentum with resources and partnerships from our neighbors to the west, showing how GEW sparks collaboration that transcends geography.
A Strong First Half
The week has also included the inaugural Veteran Social Club Dog Tag Games, SPARC After Dark, Office Hours at The Leatherneck Club, and Entrepreneur Exchange: Together We Build, each adding momentum and expanding who sees themselves as part of Nevada’s entrepreneurial story.
More to Come
Nevada’s second half of GEW is just as packed, and just as community-driven:
- Tech Alley Henderson + CyRoot Academy: Honoring Veterans
- Transformative CEOs Mastermind
Led by community organizers Nadya Rousseau & Lauren Jones of Alter New Media, this two-day experience supports high-performing leaders seeking to expand visibility, confidence, and impact. - GROW & CONNECT
A sober, relationship-first business community event hosted by Alive Print Shop, Social City CrossFit, and Elevate Sports Performance. - Warrior Hour @ Triple Threat Transformation
A high-energy finale bringing together fitness, teamwork, and community.
Nevada is only halfway through GEW, but already living the message that defines this year: Together We Build