Background

“Global Entrepreneurship Week is a shining example of Britain leading the world in enterprise and innovation. At this time of unprecedented global change, I congratulate everyone involved in Global Entrepreneurship Week for encouraging people and countries to work together to find new ways to succeed.”

Gordon Brown, Prime Minister, November 2008

Global Entrepreneurship Week (16 – 22 November 2009) is a worldwide movement of entrepreneurial people, with millions unleashing their enterprising talents and turning their ideas into reality.

Last year, there were 24,966 events and activities run in 77 countries, attended by more than 3.06 million people (644,000 of which were in the UK!).

It’s a perfect opportunity to collaborate with global partners, such as the joint event held last year by York University and Zehjing University in China: read the story.

Find out why you should get involved.

Global Entrepreneurship Week UK

“A thriving, can-do enterprise culture is part of what makes Britain a great place to do business. Global Entrepreneurship Week is important because it inspires a whole new generation of budding entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.”

Sir Alan Sugar, entrepreneur and star of BBC1’s The Apprentice

Enterprise Week has been running in the UK since 2004. Last year, it became part of a wider global movement - Global Entrepreneurship Week, which took place in 77 countries. This year, to emphasise the global nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, the Week will now be known as Global Entrepreneurship Week UK. Download the new logo

Global Entrepreneurship Week UK remains relevant to everyone, be it on a one-to-one, local, regional or national basis. The global links add a new dimension, yet it remains a platform for anyone to spotlight their entrepreneurial activities, whatever you do.

Read about the different focus days

How did Global Entrepreneurship Week begin?

News of the phenomenal success of the Week in the UK spread the globe, and lots of other countries got excited by the potential of running similar initiatives in their own countries. So in 2008, Make Your Mark and the Kauffman Foundation (the world’s largest entrepreneurship foundation based in the US) founded the very first Global Entrepreneurship Week.