Global Entrepreneurship Week
Valparaiso University – Northwest Indiana
Global Entrepreneurship Week Valparaiso University – Northwest Indiana is part of Global Entrepreneurship Network: an annual international initiative that occurs over the span of one week and includes the participation of millions of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, researchers, educators, entrepreneurship support organizations and interested individuals.
During the week of November, speakers, panels, competitions, workshops and networking events make up the thousands of events held around the world. The goal is to inspire millions to engage in entrepreneurial activity while connecting them to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors.
Around the globe, 180 countries participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week every year, which results in about 35,000 events that include over 10 million people. In the United States alone, nearly 5,000 events, activities and competitions are planned across all 50 states by a wide variety of organizations.
The Innovation Hub at Valparaiso University will partake in Global Entrepreneurship Week for the first time and will host events and activities throughout Northwest Indiana and conclude with the Great Pitch Idea Competition at Valparaiso University.
This is a unique opportunity for Northwest Indiana, and during Global Entrepreneurship Week, anyone that wants to participate and showcase their entrepreneurial idea and knowledge can work with the Valpo University Innovation Hub and host a session during this week.
GEW Schedule
Monday, November 18, 2024
Kick off the week by partnering with the ECIER Foundation to host a workshop for high school students in Gary, Indiana.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
The Startup Playbook: Turning Your Vision Into Reality is a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators eager to bring their ideas to life. This workshop focuses on the powerful Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool designed to help entrepreneurs structure their ideas, identify key components of their business, and create a clear pathway from concept to execution. Participants will learn how to map out their value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and other essential elements needed to transform innovative ideas into sustainable and successful businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your vision, this session provides the tools and insights needed to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Friday, November 22, 2024
The competition is open to high school students in Northwest Indiana, and participants must submit their application by November 15, 2024. The top 20 submissions will be selected to present on the day of the competition. Business ideas can be at any stage—whether at the idea, early, or established phase—but they must be the original work of the participant(s). Each pitch should not exceed 2 minutes, followed by questions from the judges. While participants retain full ownership of their ideas, they agree that their pitches may be recorded and used for promotional purposes by the organizers. Prizes will be awarded to the top participants based on the judges’ decisions, and cash prizes or awards are non-transferable, intended solely for advancing the project or prototyping. The winning team’s funds will be transferred to the students’ respective high schools, which will manage and allocate the funds for the development of the students’ products. Details on prize amounts, potential mentorship, or service awards will be provided by the organizers. Participants are expected to demonstrate professionalism and courtesy throughout the competition. Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or unethical behavior will result in immediate disqualification. Failure to adhere to the competition rules, including time limits and submission requirements, will also lead to disqualification. All decisions made by the judges are final and cannot be contested. The organizers reserve the right to modify or cancel the competition at any time.