UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Pennsylvania community members, along with Penn State students, faculty, and staff, are invited to participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Penn State events happening Nov. 17-23.
GEW celebrates the connections between Penn State and local entrepreneurial communities. The weeklong event will feature in-person and virtual presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, startups, and innovators.
From an educational session on international importing and exporting in agriculture, to an entrepreneurial meetup at Shy Bear Brewing, to a full-day experience supporting the women entrepreneurs of Happy Valley, the schedule offers opportunities for entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds across the state to get involved.
Presented by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), GEW will feature events across the SBDC’s four-county service area, including Centre, Clinton, Mifflin and Lycoming counties, as well as in Penn State communities across the commonwealth.
"Global Entrepreneurship Week is about bringing people together — entrepreneurs, small business owners, and innovators — to share ideas, build connections, and strengthen our local communities," said Tim Keohane, director of the Penn State SBDC. “We are excited to offer opportunities across the commonwealth for community members to come together and learn from one another.”
Attendees can explore the full schedule and register for events online. Featured programs include:
Community Networking Event (CBICC Business After Hours)
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5-7 p.m., in-person, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, State College
Join this free annual event for an evening of networking and community building. Entrepreneurs, innovators, and community members are invited to connect while exploring the Innovation Hub in downtown State College.
Shy Bear Brewing Entreprenurial Meet-Up
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m., in-person, Shy Bear Brewing
Hear the story of how Shy Bear Brewing came to life directly from its founder. Guests will also enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of the brewing operation, light food and beverages while networking with fellow entrepreneurs and small-business owners.
Philadelphia Penn State Alumni Entrepreneurs Networking Event
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m., in-person, Founding Fathers Sports Bar & Grill, Philadelphia
Penn State alumni entrepreneurs are invited to connect, share ideas and find inspiration with like-minded Penn Staters at this Philadelphia-based networking event.
Network & Connect at Bald Bird Brewing Company
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m., in-person, Bald Birds Brewing Company, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania
This event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners and aspiring founders from across Clinton and Lycoming counties to connect directly with local and regional resource partners who support business growth and innovation. Enjoy great conversations over food and beverages while learning about the wide range of programs, services, and expertise available to help your business thrive.
Overseas Adventures in Ag & Food!
Thursday, Nov. 20, 10-11 a.m., in person and online, Technology Center at Innovation Park, Room 157; Registration link
Carla Snyder of Penn State Extension and Martin Brill, coordinator of the Ag Center of Excellence at the Penn State SBDC, will share insights from their global travels and experiences with international importing and exporting in the agricultural and food sectors.
W.E.Connect Conference
Friday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in-person, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, State College
The W.E.Connect Conference is a full-day experience supporting the women entrepreneurs of Happy Valley. Join 200+ entrepreneurs, leaders and changemakers to explore themes of leadership, resilience and connection.
About the Penn State SBDC
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development, through support from Penn State, and by other sources of state and federal funding. Full disclosures are available at https://www.pasbdc.org/funding-sources/.
SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the U.S. Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Penn State SBDC services Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Mifflin counties in central Pennsylvania.