WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two hundred and fifty years ago, a new nation staked its future on the belief that ordinary people could build extraordinary things. This July, the United States celebrates that founding principle — and this November, the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) invites Americans everywhere to renew it. Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2026 arrives at a moment of genuine possibility – a chance to reignite the spirit of invention that defined this country's first 250 years and inspire a new generation of founders who will define the next.
The stakes are high. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, 92 million jobs globally are expected to be displaced by 2030. Those same forces reshaping work are creating demand for entirely new kinds of enterprise — and entrepreneurs are how societies answer that call. Landmark research from the Kauffman Foundation reveals that new businesses create more than three million jobs per year. In 2025, roughly 6.6 million Americans started a new business, fueled in large part by immigrant, Latino, and Black entrepreneurs, according to the same study.
The question is not whether new business formation matters, but whether the millions of people who have the ideas, talent, and ambition to start something have been shown that entrepreneurship is a path available to them. Global Entrepreneurship Week changes that. This campaign, powered by more than 250 organizations across the United States, meets people where they are and connects them to the networks, tools, and support to take that first step — showing what’s possible in their own communities. More than 40,000 opportunities are expected to take place beyond traditional startup hubs, in public spaces such as libraries, community centers, and schools around the world.
Throughout November and during Global Entrepreneurship Week (Nov. 16-22), communities across the United States will add their voices to a national “Entrepreneurs Thrive Here” declaration — stating their community is open to builders and local ideas are worth pursuing. Such a statement changes how founders see themselves — and how the world sees our communities.
GEN invites entrepreneur support organizations, governments, and new partners from across the community – including schools, libraries, workforce development agencies, professional and industry associations, arts and culture organizations, civic groups and community organizations to get involved at www.gewusa.co.
Global Entrepreneurship Week By The Numbers
• 10M+ people reached annually through 40,000+ events in 200 countries, organized by 25,000 partners
• 94% of participants feel more confident about their ability to start and grow a business
To learn more and get involved, visit www.gewusa.co.