COLUMBIA, MO — Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) USA spans all 50 states and more than 100 metros—and this November, Central Missouri officially joins the global celebration for the first time. From an early-morning coffee meetup and a women-led panel to World Cup info sessions and a lively community happy hour, GEW Central Missouri is shining a spotlight on the region’s growing innovation ecosystem and the people driving it forward.
Running November 17–23, GEW USA unites founders, educators, investors, and civic leaders nationwide. In Columbia, the Missouri Women’s Business Center will lead Central Missouri’s debut with a full day of in-person programming that celebrates entrepreneurship, collaboration, and community.
The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with Coffee + Networking, a casual meet-and-greet designed to spark new connections among business owners, mentors, and innovators. At 9:00 a.m., 1 Million Cups Columbia brings local entrepreneurs to the stage to share their stories and crowdsource feedback from a supportive audience of peers and community leaders.
At 10:30 a.m., Women Who Inspire takes the spotlight, celebrating women founders and innovators whose leadership is shaping Missouri’s business landscape. In recognition of Women in Entrepreneurship Day on November 19, this event highlights the vital role women play in driving innovation, economic growth, and community impact across the state. The session includes a networking lunch and panel discussions featuring female entrepreneurs sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes, underscoring the importance of supporting and amplifying women’s voices in business.
The afternoon kicks off with Ready, Set, Score!, running from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., a high-energy session designed to help businesses prepare for the global spotlight of the 2026 World Cup tourism boom. Attendees will explore how to position their ventures for growth and tap into new opportunities created by increased visitor traffic and international attention.
The day concludes with a 4:30 p.m. Networking Happy Hour at The Heist, where founders, civic leaders, and community members can celebrate the region’s first official GEW and continue building partnerships that last beyond the week.
Across Central Missouri, sectors such as tourism, agtech, and small business innovation are heating up. Yet rural entrepreneurs still face challenges in gaining visibility and access to capital. GEW Central Missouri is tackling these barriers head-on—connecting local founders with national networks, mentorship, and the resources needed to scale their ideas into sustainable ventures.
This inaugural GEW celebration is powered by a coalition of local partners, including the Missouri Women’s Business Center, Columbia College - Steven and Barbara Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship, Columbia CVB, City of Columbia, The Loop, local chambers of commerce, 1 Million Cups Columbia powered by The Kauffman Foundation, and The Heist, which will serve as the event’s central venue. Together, these organizations are helping ensure that Central Missouri’s entrepreneurs have access to the venues, mentors, and visibility they deserve on both the state and national stages.
At its core, GEW Central Missouri embodies the spirit of “Together We Build.” By uniting community leaders, business advocates, and startup founders, organizers are laying the foundation for a more connected, inclusive, and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem—one that celebrates creativity, fosters collaboration, and turns ideas into impact.
For more info, and to purchase tickets, visit this link: https://www.genglobal.org/united-states/events/central-missouri-global-entrepreneurship-week-three-events-one-day.