In an inclusive attempt to empower all entrepreneurs in South Africa, the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) will take place on South African soil between November 16 - 22, 2009. Under the theme ‘Entrepreneurship and Society’ this is an open non-profit venture which will draw global attention to South African businesses.
“Fostering a culture which recognises entrepreneurs as drivers of economic and societal prosperity, this year Wits Business School together with Endeavor and Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA) will be the official hosts for GEW in South Africa, linking into a global programme of action to ignite awareness about entrepreneurship, says Prof Boris Urban, Acting Head of WBS and Lamberti Chair of Entrepreneurship.”
Wits Business School’s programme of action will include all university faculties, government and corporate partners to stage entrepreneurship events and activities.
Professor Mthuli Ncube, Dean: Faculty of Commerce, Law & Management says, “The GEW is an open venture which allows all entrepreneurs from across South Africa to exhibit their businesses, network and attend workshops. Wits Business School will be hosting themed workshop sessions which will costs the public R120 and will ultimately contribute towards sponsoring a course from the CfE for one lucky winner. The week’s proceedings are thus purely developmental and no profits will be generated. “
The overall objective of GEW is to ignite, inspire and unlock the creativity of young individuals and society at large. It is aimed at bringing together academia, policy makers and industry to build awareness through positioning entrepreneurship as a sustainable solution to create socio-economic change in society. This global event reached more than 3 million people around the world hosting over 25 000 events through 8892 partners in 77 countries in 2008.
According to Prof Urban, ,“The concept of gathering novel business minds, renowned leaders and aspiring entrepreneurial talent will undoubtedly lead to progress in the South African socio-economic terrain. As we are on the brink of the 2010 hype, it is also crucial that we tighten our entrepreneurial thinking. By offering South Africa a chance to exchange best practices, we are ensuring that South Africa remains on par with international standards.”
The success of GEW relies heavily on exposure as it calls on the general public to embrace this unique opportunity of exchange, and to embark on new ventures.
Dr Kerrin Myres, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at WBS concludes, “WBS is serious about entrepreneurial development and support. After the resounding success of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Global Start Up Workshop (MIT GSW), it is safe to say that we are still holding the flag up high. This week of activity is yet another event which will place South Africa on the global map and empower our nation.”
