Kentucky Innovation Network, WKU partner on Global Entrepreneurship Week events

Bowling Green, Ky. – The WKU Small Business Accelerator and the Bowling Green Office of the Kentucky Innovation Network are supporting Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Nov. 16-22. Global Entrepreneurship Week was designed to inspire people everywhere to explore their potential as self-starters and innovators.

To celebrate GEW, WKU will host four events as a platform to connect current and future entrepreneurs while providing information to strengthen the future of Bowling Green’s entrepreneurial community. Events scheduled are listed below and are free to attend.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.

During one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors—introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.

GEW is more than just an awareness campaign. It is a platform for connection and collaboration—engaging all players along the entrepreneurship spectrum in strengthening ecosystems around the world.

Local events include:

• 5 Things to Know about Kentucky’s Export: 3 p.m.–5 p.m. Nov. 12 at Center for Research and Development, Room 130, 2413 Nashville Road. Sherry Mulkins, Vice President of Client Outreach and Development with the Kentucky World Trade Center will be in Bowling Green to talk about the opportunities small businesses have when exporting their product(s) out of the country. Can you name the top 10 exports for Kentucky? You will be blown away by No. 1. Hint: It isn’t bourbon or even cars. Can we say $28 billion? Yes this is KENTUCKY! And we ROCK.
• Encore Entrepreneurs: 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Nov. 17 at Center for Research and Development, Room 130, 2413 Nashville Road. Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Encore Entrepreneurs is an introduction to business planning designed for individuals interested in pursuing a second career. Regardless of where you are in your decision process this workshop will provide you with the information you need to jump start opening your own business. Research shows that 25 percent of Americans from ages 44 to 70 are interested in starting their own a business or nonprofit venture in the next five to 10 years. This program is sponsored by AARP, The WKU Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration and hosted by the Bowling Green Office of the Kentucky Innovation Network and the WKU Small Business Accelerator. This event is free, but advance registration is required, as seating is limited. For  information, go to https://aarp.cvent.com/BGSBA or call 877-926-8300. Free parking is available.
• Technology & Innovation Networking Event: “Great Minds,” 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 18, at Bliss Ave. Brewery, Park Row and College Street. We would like to develop a greater network of scientific and technical professionals in our region so we are starting with a relaxed, no-pressure, networking event. This event will take place at a new Craft Beer Brewery in downtown Bowling Green. Pizza will be served along with samples of Bliss Craft Beer. Register by calling 270-901-3490, ext. 5, and feel free to bring a co-worker. The Great Minds event is sponsored by the Bowling Green Office of the Kentucky Innovation Network, the WKU Small Business Accelerator, and the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, who’ll be on-site to tell you more about what we do and how to continue with future Great Minds networking events.
• Social Entrepreneurship and Distributive Justice from a Global Perspective: 3 p.m. Nov. 19 at Grise Hall, room 235, WKU Bowling Green Campus. We have learned significant lessons about how to foster an entrepreneurial culture globally that encourages and supports people in the context of creating decent work for all. The key challenge in cultivating an entrepreneurial culture globally is figuring out the best ways to unleash the potential of all people to innovate, create, catalyze, be resourceful, solve problems and take advantage of opportunities while being ethical. Dr. Dominique Gumirakiza, WKU Professor of Agriculture Economics, works in the area of Social Entrepreneurship in his native Rwanda. During his presentation he will talk about his journey and giving back to his native country.