Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 17-23, Celebrated at UB with Student Business Competitions, Discussions and More
November 3, 2014
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
The University of Baltimore will celebrate the eighth annual Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 17-23, an international recognition of the creators, investors and supporters who drive economic growth and improve lives everywhere through small businesses and start-ups. UB and its Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will host a series of activities to mark the occasion, encouraging students through business competitions, bringing in entrepreneurial leaders who will talk about their successes and challenges, and demonstrating how education and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.
This week-long event builds and strengthens entrepreneurial ecosystems at the local, national and global levels, according to Murray Dalziel, dean of UB's Merrick School of Business and a strong supporter of entrepreneurship in all kinds of fields.
"At UB, we recognize that the modern entrepreneur has gone way beyond the inventor plugging away at an idea in the basement," Dalziel said. "That inventiveness is still a big part of our culture, but today you can be an entrepreneur in any kind of company—from mom and pop storefront to Fortune 500. What matters is your state of mind and what you do with it. We're celebrating and supporting that, and joining hands with hundreds of thousands, even millions of entrepreneurs who are creating a whole new economy on a global scale."
Johnetta Hardy, director of the CEI, said she looks forward to Global Entrepreneurship Week every year as a barometer for how the field is doing overall.
"Each year, without fail, I see more and more people of all ages saying they are or would like to be an entrepreneur," Hardy said. "It's inspiring. When this week comes around, the energy builds and we try to capture it all across the UB campus. Entrepreneurs are coming from everywhere, they’re doing everything, and I really believe they are changing the world for the better."
UB's Global Entrepreneurship Week activities are as follows:
- Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Finals of the Attman Competitive Business Prize Competition
The highlight of Global Entrepreneurship Week is the Leonard and Phyllis Attman Competitive Business Prize, where six student finalists compete for $16,000 in cash and in-kind services. The competition provides seed funding for existing business ventures. A total of $3,250 in seed funding, up to $12,000 gift-in-kind professional services and rent free office space will be awarded. This year's finalists are Jacob Harryman, Wagas Janjari, Patrick Martin, Michael Onuoha, Walter Price and Chris Wilson.
- Nov. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: CEO Roundtable
Featuring Steve Martin, CEI Advisory Board member and president of Firaxis Games, who will discuss the importance of collaboration.
- Nov. 19, 2-3:30 p.m.: Information Session for the Third Annual "Rise to the Challenge" Competition
Open to UB undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines. During this information session, students will learn how their business idea could win $15,000 in cash prizes and services at next spring's "Rise to the Challenge" competition, set for April 16.
- Nov. 20, various times: "The Entrepreneur Retreat" (Day 1)
The UB Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in partnership with the WiseWe Company, will present various speakers to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week:
3 p.m.: Speaker: Stacie Harris, UB alumnus, entrepreneur, and published author presents, "The CEO and Board of Director Potential of Young Women: Why Belief Matters and Fear Should Fall."
3:30 p.m.: Speaker: Allen C. Barham, a licensed and certified life purpose, relationship and success coach, brings his experience from helping clients to authoring books in a presentation, "Mindset: Actions Always Follow Belief."
4 p.m.: Power Broker-Power Barter Networking Event: Meet and greet fellow entrepreneurs, build partnership and support, and come prepared with a 60-second pitch-meet.
- Nov. 21, 5 p.m.: “The Entrepreneur Retreat” (Day 2)
Featured speaker Mario Armstrong is an entrepreneur and Emmy Award-winning TV host, as well as a native of Baltimore. This veteran of the Today Show, CNN, NPR, HLN, and Fuse will speak on "Passion, Entrepreneurship and How to #NeverSettle."
To R.S.V.P. for these events, visit this page on the centrer's website and select the corresponding date(s).
Learn more about UB's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the UB School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.