Kansas City to kick off global celebration of entrepreneurship

A week of entrepreneurial jubilation is on its way to Kansas City.

Global Entrepreneurship Week, the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators, will bring dozens of programs to the area for entrepreneurs of every stripe. Kansas City joins hundreds of cities in more than 140 countries around the world that are participating in the eighth-annual celebration.

Jenny Miller, network builder for KCSourceLink, said that the week of Nov. 16 will offer Kansas City the chance to flew its entrepreneurial muscles. KCSourceLink, an entrepreneurial and small business resource organization, is helping organize many of GEW Kansas City’s events.

“Kansas City is one of the leading cities for this celebration,” Miller said. “With more than 90 events, there is truly something for everyone. It’s a great way to dip your toe into what entrepreneurship in Kansas City is all about.”

Among the more than 90 events in Kansas City, GEW programs include info on how to start a business, patent a product, build a customer base or even build a company over a few days at Startup Weekend. In addition to educational events, GEW will feature a variety of programs geared toward current business owners hoping to make connections.

“If you have a business, this is a networking smorgasbord,” Miller said. “Last year, more than 7,000 people came out for events, so you’re sure to meet someone who can make a difference for your established business, too. … It also introduces business owners across the metro to the resources that are available to help them start and grow businesses allowing us to create a vibrant and growing economy.”

Miller recommends for those new to GEW to start small and attend a local coffee on Nov. 16 at the neighborhood Coffee Kickoffs. She added that everyone should enjoy eKC Explained on Nov. 17. The event includes a panel discussion with area entrepreneurs and will unveil a guide detailing resources available for various types of businesses.

Nathan Kurtz, entrepreneurial advocate at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, recommended that those interested in GEW should consider attending the One in a Million pitch competition at the Kauffman Foundation set for Nov. 18. He also said that Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak’s conversation with the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program will offer inspiration for entrepreneurs and other businesspeople.

“The impact has been the connectivity of entrepreneurs with each other and with support organizations,” Kurtz said. “Starting and growing a company is hard work, and GEW offers the opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn from each other, find customers and support other entrepreneurs on the journey.”

For more information on GEW events, check out KCSourceLink’s calendar here.