Kitsap County business and service organizations are partnering to offer a week of events as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2013 — the nation’s largest entrepreneurship-focused campaign.
The global event runs from Nov. 18 to 24 and will be encouraging current and aspiring entrepreneurs to take a step forward in their plans — whether that’s starting a business, seizing a new opportunity or finding out more about careers in enterprise.
Last year more than 7 million people attended over 40,000 GEW events across 123 countries. This year the campaign aims to reach thousands more, through offering local and practical events that can inspire and educate people about what support is available to entrepreneurs in Kitsap, across Washington State and beyond.
Shannon Bruce, executive coach and group leader of Excell Puget Sound will be facilitating discussions at one of the Kitsap GEW events.
“Many different organizations and leaders throughout Kitsap County have come together to collaborate for a global mission that supports and increases visibility for entrepreneurship in our region,” Bruce said.
She encourages individuals who own or who are considering launching their own business to participate.
“This week is full of creative and innovative ways to support you as a leader as you grow your business,” she said. “You won’t want to miss out.”
Kitsap GEW 2013 events include presentations from Washington Filmworks on location filming opportunities for your business or property; John Tomizuka, one of the developers behind the official Presidential Inauguration mobile app; a luncheon featuring a panel of successful local entrepreneurs and resource trade show; a World Cafe Discussion Group; a seminar on government contracting; and networking events including “Brews & Bites — Home Grown Businesses that Tourists Love.”
Global Entrepreneurship Week activities are an obvious fit for Kitsap County said John Powers, executive director of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance.
“Kitsap is home to a deep pool of entrepreneurial talent in a variety of industries,” Powers said.
“And with more than 600 patents and trademarks issued to Kitsap-based businesses in the past five years, Kitsap ranks second statewide when it comes to the development and registration of intellectual property.
Kitsap is known for its innovative and entrepreneurial culture, and we are excited about launching Kitsap’s full-fledged participation in this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week.”
The events are offered in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, the five Kitsap Chambers of Commerce, Visit Kitsap Peninsula, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, WSTA, KCR BE$T Program, and Kitsap Entrepreneurial Center and Excell Puget Sound.
Details and registration information are available at www.kitsapeda.org.
Information about Global Entrepreneurship Week is available at us.unleashingideas.org and startup.choosewashingtonstate.com
For more information on Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, visit www.kitsapeda.org. For more about living and working in Kitsap, visit www.kitsapconnected.org.
