Global Entrepreneurship Week
Save the Date!
Our next Global Entrepreneurship Week Penn State will be celebrated November 17-23, 2025
Mark your calendar and make plans to join us!
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Penn State celebrates relationships between members of the University and the local entrepreneurial communities. It brings together students, faculty, staff, and community members to promote the entrepreneurial spirit and cultivate student start-ups.
Each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national, and global events that help them explore their potential as innovators and self-starters. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business and enjoy spending time with like-minded members of the community, join us at GEW Penn State Altoona.
By participating in GEW Penn State 2025, you will be a part of a global celebration of entrepreneurship. Annually, 170 countries host a combined total of 35,000 events to an audience of 10 million+ people!
This week-long celebration will connect community members and aspiring entrepreneurs with a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and startup champions across our campuses and the surrounding communities.
GEW 2024 Events
Below are events that are offered virtually or in a hybrid format. Visit the GEW website for a full schedule of events and for access to registration and Zoom links.
Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR)
Friday November 15 | 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EST
Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, Room 612, and Online Via Zoom
Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and administered locally by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Invent Penn State. The one-day course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals.
Intellectual Property Basics
Monday November 18 | 3:00–4:00 p.m.
Davey Lab 211 and Online via Zoom
Intellectual property (IP) is a cornerstone of innovation and creativity in our world. From the music we listen to and the books we read, to groundbreaking inventions and iconic brand slogans, IP permeates every aspect of our lives. The four main types of IP protection include patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets. For entrepreneurs, protecting IP is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Key steps include identifying IP assets, choosing the appropriate form of protection, conducting thorough searches to avoid infringement, filing necessary applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and implementing security measures for trade secrets. Attendees will learn the basic IP differences and how to navigate the complex world of IP protection.
Basic Legal Considerations for Small Businesses
Tuesday November 19 | 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC and Online via Zoom
There are a number of mistakes that founders often make when they are starting their businesses, and there are usually simple ways to avoid these mistakes. These common mistakes include waiting too long to form an entity, not documenting arrangements between multiple owners, failing to issue equity interests in accordance with legal requirements, and exposing the founders to personal liability unnecessarily. This presentation will compare common entity types in Pennsylvania and discuss ways to avoid common legal mistakes when starting a new business.
Breaking Borders: How to Enter and Succeed in Global Markets
Tuesday November 19 | Noon–1:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Join us for an insightful webinar with Edvard Philipson, an accomplished executive with vast experience in the life sciences industry and international markets. Learn how to “Break Borders” and succeed in global markets. This session will cover how to evaluate new markets, understand cultural and regulatory nuances, and build effective local partnerships. Gain practical advice from real-life case studies and discover tips to overcome common challenges, including branding in different languages. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals looking to expand their global reach.
Exporting Basics for Small Businesses
Tuesday November 19 | Noon–1:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Ready to take your small business beyond U.S. borders? Join us for this introductory webinar where we’ll cover the fundamentals of exporting. Learn how to assess your export readiness, navigate the export process, and tap into international markets. Discover how exporting can increase your sales, diversify revenue streams, and create new opportunities for growth. Perfect for small business owners looking to expand their market reach globally.
How to go from $0 to $10k via LinkedIn
Tuesday November 19 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub and Online via Zoom
Ready to transform your LinkedIn presence into a revenue-generating engine? “How to Go from $0 –> $10K via LinkedIn” is a dynamic workshop designed for student and community entrepreneurs who want to grow their startup’s sales quickly. In this must-attend event, you’ll learn how LinkedIn is a “blue ocean” for business growth, offering endless opportunities to land brand deals and clients.
LaunchBox Live: Your Questions, Our Expert Answers
Tuesday November 19 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
A dynamic 90-minute Zoom session designed to provide expert guidance and real-time solutions for entrepreneurs. Our experts will be divided into smaller breakout rooms in an effort to address your targeted challenges.
Tax Talk with Corry – Home Office Deduction
Wednesday November 20 | 11:00 a.m.–noon
Online via Zoom
Corry Riley, PennWest Clarion SBDC Business Consultant, will answer your Tax questions during this monthly Zoom session.
SustainFood Entrepreneurship Conversations: Building a Culture of Innovation & Entrepreneurship: A Multi-Level Approach
Thursday November 21 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Online via Zoom
A university culture of innovation and entrepreneurship benefits students, faculty, and the institution. However, building such a culture can be difficult, given limited resources and varied stakeholders. We propose a multi-level approach, ranging from one-off workshops to multi-day events to course projects to curricular structures. We describe our experiences in a variety of contexts, and share lessons learned and ideas for future directions.
OSHA: Employee Training Requirements
Thursday November 21 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Online via Zoom
OSHA: Employee Training Requirements. This includes information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and how to comply with OSHA standards.
Introduction to Patent Searching
Thursday November 21 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Davey Lab 211 and Online via Zoom
Have an idea and want to see what your patent options are? Not sure what a patent even is? This workshop is a great starting point! Attendees will learn about the 3 main types of patents (utility, design, and plant). Examples used will come from Pennsylvania. This workshop will also cover how to get started with searching United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Public Search and other free patent databases, a key step to make sure your invention is novel, one of the key conditions of patentability. The workshop will conclude with resources and tips on applying for patents.
Meeting Cyber Insurance Compliance: A Guide for Small Businesses
Thursday November 21 | 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Navigate the prerequisites for cyber insurance compliance, understanding the specific safeguards and protocols insurers require. This session emphasizes actionable steps to meet compliance standards, enhancing your eligibility and positioning your business to effectively mitigate cyber-related risks.
Advanced Technology in NEPA
Thursday November 21 | 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Join us for our next Wilkes-Barre Connect Spotlight on November 21st on the theme of Advanced Technology in NEPA!
First Step: Starting a Small Business in Pennsylvania
Thursday November 21 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
The First Step: How to Start and Finance Your Business This monthly seminar provides an overview of the steps to starting a business and an in-depth look at a business plan. Topics include business registrations, licenses, business structures, taxation, research tools, and what to expect in financing your business.
LIVE Podcast Recording at The Nittany Lion Inn with Gary Brandeis
Friday November 22 | 11:00 a.m.–noon
Nittany Lion Inn, 1855 Lounge, and Online via Zoom
Looking for an excuse to check out the newly renovated Nittany Lion Inn? Attend this Invent Penn State Dare to Disrupt LIVE podcast recording with Scholar Hotels Founder and CEO Gary Brandeis.
This is a rare chance to hear directly from Gary as he shares his personal journey in the real estate and hospitality industry, from his first hotel acquisition in 2006 to managing top brands like Marriott, IHG, and Hyatt. He’ll also reveal behind-the-scenes stories of the Nittany Lion Inn’s extensive 16-month renovation and how he transformed several hotels in the State College area into thriving businesses.