The Global Entrepreneurship Network has announced the finalists for the 2025 GEN Compass Awards, a celebration recognizing outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, policymaking, investment, research, and entrepreneur support programs. The awards honor those making a difference in helping entrepreneurs start and scale around the world.
The nominees will be celebrated and the winners will be revealed during the Compass Awards Ceremony, taking place at the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Indianapolis, USA — a gathering of founders, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders from 200 countries.
The GEN Policy Award recognizes a GEN Policy community leader who has had the most significant impact in removing barriers to entrepreneurship through policies, programs or regulatory changes. This award is open to ministers, governors, mayors and other political leaders.
The nominees in this category are...
His Excellency Yacine Oualid, Minister of Training and Vocational Education for Algeria and His Excellency Nourredine Ouddah, Minister of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-Enterprises
For their visionary leadership in championing disruptive entrepreneurial thinking across multiple government agencies, improved performance of Algeria’s entrepreneurial programs, and for driving continental collaboration through the African Startup Conference.
His Excellency Dr. Kan Channmeta, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation of Cambodia
For steadfast support of GEN Cambodia, exemplary contributions over many years to GEN’s Startup Nations community and policy work, and visionary leadership on digitalization and ecosystem growth for Cambodian entrepreneurs.
The Honorable Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister of Small Business Development for South Africa
For visionary leadership in developing and hosting GEC+Africa, advancing South Africa’s G20 presidency and support of GEN’s work in South Africa, including a new hub in Cape Town.
Her Excellency Dr Eiman Al-Mutairi, CEO of the National Competitiveness Center and Vice Minister of Commerce for Saudi Arabia
For smart leadership in monitoring the growth of a newly fast-growth economy, empowering leaders to think in more innovative and transformative ways about achieving global aspirations in science, education, health, climate tech and more.
The Honorable Márcio França, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Microenterprise and Small Business for Brazil
For visionary leadership in implementing Brazil’s first National Policy for Micro and Small Businesses. His commitment to productivity, innovation, and economic inclusion has strengthened millions of small enterprises and elevated Brazil’s global standing.