Global Entrepreneurship Week: Education and Connection for Aspiring and Seasoned Business Owners
By Emily Wright
CENTRE COUNTY— Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) at Penn State University is a week-long event dedicated to supporting, celebrating, and fostering entrepreneurship from Monday, November 18, to Sunday, November 24, 2024. GEW offers a unique opportunity for aspiring business owners as well as seasoned business owners to learn, network, and even collaborate. GEW features workshops, talks, and activities where attendees can learn from successful entrepreneurs, gain new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. The events are designed to inspire attendees and equip them with the tools needed to launch the business endeavor they’ve always dreamed of or gain insight into more advanced business concepts and strategies; no matter your level of experience when it comes to entrepreneurship, GEW offers events that can benefit all business owners.
Penn State launched its first Global Entrepreneurship Week in 2009, starting with just five educational events open to PSU students, faculty, and staff, drawing in 48 students. In recent years, GEW at Penn State has expanded significantly in both the number of events offered and overall attendance since it now welcomes participation from the broader community. In 2023, Penn State hosted approximately 66 events, attracting around 1,500 attendees for the ones organized by PSU and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) alone. Today, GEW celebrates entrepreneurship across a four-county region, which draws in even more future entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners.
The Record reached out to Brandy Viehdorfer, Marketing and Events Coordinator for Penn State’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to gain insights into the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Week. Brandy plays a key role in orchestrating GEW events in Centre County and its neighboring counties, including Clinton, Mifflin, and Lycoming. Having spent just two years in her position, Brandy has already watched GEW grow to include around 40 featured events this year alone, nine of which she personally oversees.
Before stepping into her current role, Brandy was drawn to Penn State’s SBDC because of her passion for entrepreneurship and small business development, as well as her background in interior design. This position enables her to merge creativity with her dedication to supporting local businesses. While she has yet to launch her own graphic design business, her role at the SBDC provides her with a strong foundation to do so in the future, thanks to the valuable insights she gains from organizing and attending GEW workshops and seminars.
GEW events are tailored to meet the needs of both new and experienced entrepreneurs, offering educational workshops and valuable networking opportunities. Brandy shared that GEW caters to seasoned entrepreneurs, budding startups, and even individuals who have a business idea but haven’t yet begun their entrepreneurial journey. She emphasized that the event is well-rounded, providing valuable resources for entrepreneurs at every stage. Workshops and seminars cover fundamental topics for beginners, while more in-depth sessions are available for seasoned business owners.
The majority of GEW events are free to attendees, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to accessibility. “You can attend whatever events pique your interest, and the majority of them are at zero cost,” Brandy emphasized, noting that the goal is to make these resources accessible to anyone interested in attending. “There are a couple of workshops that cost $20, but for the most part, almost all of these events are zero cost to the attendees because we want everyone to have access to this information. We believe it’s going to help them either start their business, grow their business, or just inspire them and allow them to meet economic partners as well as other like-minded individuals.”
Brandy pointed out that GEW events are especially beneficial for communities like the City of Lock Haven, which continues to support and develop its business district in the downtown area.
Brandy mentioned that she encounters many new business owners who have great ideas but lack experience, and GEW events offer the necessary education and networking opportunities they need, covering topics such as small business tax preparation, legal considerations for small businesses, and intellectual property basics. Brandy also mentioned that there are several workshops that dive deeper into more advanced business concepts, which can be helpful for seasoned entrepreneurs who may need to update their business knowledge or explore new strategies.
One of the highlights of GEW this year is the event set to take place in Clinton County. “I’m actually really excited about this event,” Brandy said enthusiastically. “Golden Connections: The Power of Small Business Collaboration” will be held at Restless Oaks in McElhattan on Thursday, November 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. As with all GEW events, interested individuals must register in advance on the PSU Global Entrepreneurship Week website linked below to attend.
The “Global Connections” event will feature speakers Hanna Stover, owner of Momoyo Otsu in downtown Lock Haven, and Martina Guerra of Martina Guerra Goldsmith in Jersey Shore. Stover and Guerra will be speaking about their entrepreneurial journeys and their experience with collaborating as small business owners. They’ll share insight into how their partnership and active involvement in local economic boards have propelled both of their small businesses forward, aiming to inspire other entrepreneurs to do the same.
Brandy highlighted that Tom Keiffer, a Lock Haven-based business consultant for Penn State SBDC, will attend and facilitate the duo’s discussion at the event, as Stover and Guerra are both his clients. Keiffer provides his business-related services at CU-Lock Haven University’s East Campus.
This year’s theme, “Entrepreneurship is for Everyone,” underscores the inclusive nature of entrepreneurship, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, locations, and industries. Brandy is particularly excited about key events such as the third annual “Community Networking Event” at the Eric J. Baron Innovation Hub on the Penn State campus. Slated for Tuesday, November 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., this event is designed similarly to an open house, allowing attendees to learn about the services and resources available at the Innovation Hub, network with other entrepreneurs and leaders, and enjoy food from local vendors. This event is presented by several partners, including the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County, the Centre Region Entrepreneur Network, the Women’s Networking Group, and Invent Penn State.
Another event that Brandy is particularly enthusiastic about is the PM Exchange at New Trail Brewing Company, located at 240 Arch Street, Building 18 in Williamsport. This networking event is hosted by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and is set for Thursday, November 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and it provides an excellent opportunity for local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect with one another and with economic partners who can offer valuable resources and support. While attendees network and build relationships in New Trail’s tasting room, they can also enjoy its signature beers and a selection of light appetizers.
Brandy explained that events like the PM Exchange are designed to foster connections and collaboration, as well as raise awareness of the resources available to entrepreneurs in the region. “I think it’s so neat to be able to spotlight a local business and also bring awareness and connection,” Brandy said. “I think by working together, we make each other better.”
As GEW is a global initiative with events happening in 200 countries, Brandy encourages community members to explore the valuable educational events it offers this year, many of which offer virtual attendance options to accommodate as many people as possible. She reemphasized that GEW is not just for business veterans but for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit looking to learn and connect.
Be sure to check out the GEW website linked below to view the list of events and register for the event(s) of your choice, either in-person or online.
For more information and to complete the required registration for any of the events offered this year, visit the Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State website and be sure to follow the Facebook page for the latest updates and other information. Questions can be directed to the Penn State SBDC via email at SBDC@psu.edu.
Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State website: https://gew.psu.edu/
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GEWPennState/
To view the schedule of events and register, visit https://gew.psu.edu/attend/schedule/
