GEN Global announces global themes for #GEW2019

Each year, Global Entrepreneurship Week reaches millions of people through local, national and global events and activities – often framed by key global themes that shine a spotlight on leading topics in entrepreneurship.  

At the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Manama, Bahrain, the Global Entrepreneurship Network announced the four global themes for #GEW2019 – education, ecosystems, inclusion and policy.  

From large-scale startup competitions and workshops to small, community discussions – GEW reaches new audiences and connects participants to a network that can help them take the next step, no matter where they are on their entrepreneurial journey. Here are the 2019 global themes:

GEW Education | #GEWeducation 

Education can inform and expose people of all ages to entrepreneurship. Communities can mobilize entrepreneurship education through many different vehicles – from early-childhood learning centers, to colleges and universities, vocation institutions, makerspaces and more. Providing the right information and tools to those with an interest in entrepreneurship can foster creativity and skills to grow sustainable businesses – improving not only local entrepreneurial ecosystems, but also strengthening the skilled job force. 

GEW Education works to share resources, raise awareness and provide skills training to potential entrepreneurs around the world. This theme celebrates the tools and programs communities use to foster entrepreneurship. 

GEW Ecosystems | #GEWecosystems 

The Global Entrepreneurship Network and other entrepreneurship support organizations around the world are looking beyond Silicon Valley to facilitate collaboration and partnership between startup ecosystems in promising mid-tier cities. Sharing knowledge and connecting local ecosystem leaders has become increasingly important in building healthy and thriving entrepreneurial communities. 

GEW Ecosystems aims to inspire communities to collaborate and share their networks and markets to help their rising startups thrive. This theme celebrates the shared challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship communities and hubs around the world. 

GEW Inclusion | #GEWinclusion 

Entrepreneurship is a positive force that drives innovation, creates wealth and improves lives in communities, cities and countries alike. But not everyone has the same opportunity. Race, age, gender, or where one lives should not be an obstacle to entrepreneurship. Anyone anywhere should be able to realize their dream and start a business quickly, inexpensively, and without barriers. 

GEW Inclusion will highlight the work startup champions are doing around the world to minimize barriers and obstacles for entrepreneurs by maximizing inclusion. This theme celebrates diversity in all forms, including women and youth in entrepreneurship. Activities, workshops and speaker series held around the world will explore the obstacles entrepreneurs from underserved populations may face, and discovering solutions through access to success stories, training, capital and mentorship. 

GEW Policy | #GEWpolicy 

Startup ecosystems are led by their entrepreneurs, but government plays an important role in helping them flourish – removing barriers, resetting the regulatory environment and emphasizing connections and catalytic events. A new generation of public sector officials and startup-savvy advisors are hacking policy solutions to help local entrepreneurs start and scale. 

GEW policy will highlight the work of governments and policymakers to help entrepreneurs everywhere start and scale.