The Global Entrepreneurship Network began operating in Ecuador in 2009 when it partnered with Fundación Emprender to organize the inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Week campaign across the country. The successful campaign led to the development of a network of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship support organizations that have raised awareness of its importance in growing economies, promoting common welfare and empowering people to bring new innovations into reality. Through GEW, GEN breaks down cultural barriers and reaches new audiences, expanding the number of people who at some point in their life will consider becoming an entrepreneur.
In 2018, GEN developed a partnership the Alianza para el Emprendimiento y la Innovación (AEI) to develop new initiatives that promote entrepreneurship. AEI's national network includes more than 140 from the public, private, academic and international cooperation sectors. Together, GEN and AEI have analyzed Ecuador's ecosystem and identified barriers, needs and opportunities and highlighted program interventions and policies that are proven to have maximize impact.
Through its virtual platforms and numerous live events, including its Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) and GEC+ series, GEN is helping to break down siloes, enhance collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers and startup community leaders.