Harnessing the Power of Community to Unlock Entrepreneurial Potential
July 31, 2025 – Tens of thousands of events will take place around the world November 17-23 to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). This is an annual movement to celebrate and empower new founders in every country and community – especially those who face structural barriers or who may have never considered the opportunities and possibilities of entrepreneurship. Activities will open doors for anyone who has ever thought, “Could I build something of my own?”
The theme for Global Entrepreneurship Week in 2025 is "Together We Build" and shines a spotlight on the collective power of community, collaboration, and shared ambition. It invites anyone to explore what’s possible when they join mentors, peers, partners, and supporters to bring ideas to life and build something bigger than themselves.
Anyone can get involved. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to host events and participate in awareness-raising campaigns during November that reach people outside traditional entrepreneurship communities. Learn more here.
Quick Facts About Global Entrepreneurship Week
- Global Entrepreneurship Week was first launched in 2008. 2025 marks the 18th anniversary of the annual campaign.
- Each November, 10 million people across 200 countries and territories take part in tens of thousands of Global Entrepreneurship Week activities, competitions, and events.
- The 2024 campaign featured 40,000 events supported by 11,000 partners.
- Influencers across industries are strong supporters of Global Entrepreneurship Week, from founders like Sir Richard Branson to Prime Ministers and Presidents from Canada to Kosovo.
- National campaigns in Algeria, Bermuda, Brazil, Germany, Jordan, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, Pakistan, Paraguay, and the United States are consistently among the top 10 worldwide for scale, creativity, and engagement.
- View highlights from last year's campaign here.
Testimonials from Entrepreneurs:
"[A Global Entrepreneurship Week event] offered us a rare opportunity to explore the U.S. market firsthand, connect with industry leaders, and validate our value proposition on a global stage. The strategic insights, mentorship, and exposure we gained have been instrumental in shaping our international expansion strategy." - Monther Fadel, founder of DARBCO, an innovative robotics solar cleaning company (Jordan)
“Global Entrepreneurship Week in Cape Town was more than just an event to engage with other founders—it was a valuable platform for networking, building meaningful relationships, and unlocking new opportunities for growth.” - Tshepo HeadBush, co-founder of the online lending platform Bright On Capital (South Africa)
“As a business owner, the knowledge I gained from the workshops and seminars has been vital in the health and wellness of our work. Just as important are the opportunities to connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs. Sharing experiences, struggles, and victories with other attendees during breaks, meals, and hallway conversations has provided me with new mentors, associates, and even customers.” - Juliann Barnes, owner of Juliann Barnes Designs (United States)
Testimonials from Event Organizers:
- “When I think of Global Entrepreneurship Week Germany, I think of networking and the opportunity for us to be part of this large network. For us, [GEW] is an important platform for exchange, learning, and advancement.” - Cristina Cipolletta, project manager at Initiative Selbständiger Immigrantinnen (Germany)
“Global Entrepreneurship Week has been a driving force in fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development. It is a cornerstone event that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, connects key ecosystem players, and supports policy initiatives to enhance the startup landscape.” - Wafae Harrir, program director at GEN Algeria
“[Global Entrepreneurship Week] has consistently provided a powerful platform to amplify voices that often go unheard, especially women and youth in STEM. It has helped us reach hundreds of young women across schools and universities, encouraging them to dream bigger and step confidently into the world of entrepreneurship. This is more than a week — it’s a movement that continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka." - Nevindaree Premarathne, founder and CEO of STEM education company The Makers Global (Sri Lanka)
GEW is organized internationally by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and powered by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation with support from strategic partners.
To learn more about Global Entrepreneurship Week, and to get involved, visit www.gew.co. Join the conversation online using #GEW2025 and #TogetherWeBuild.