South Africa's Global Entrepreneurship Week 2015 gets a significant boost

The GEW in South Africa has now received a significant boost in supporting entrepreneurship development, thanks to the commitment of the South African Government. This commitment is spearheaded by the inaugural Minister of Small Business Development, Honourable Lindiwe Zulu, who has been working tirelessly with all stakeholders to achieve the GEW mandate.

Further testimony to her leadership and ongoing support for entrepreneurship is that she was also highly instrumental in helping to bring the first ever Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) to African soil in 2017. The GEC, now an international landmark event, will see over 160 countries and 5000 delegates attend in 2017, which includes entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, policy makers and Ministers of Small Business from various countries.

Support for the GEW also continues to grow with the announcement of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Board in South Africa, which was appointed by President of the GEN Jonathan Ortmans during his recent visit here to launch the GEC 2017 campaign. Using its vast network, the Board will ignite and promote entrepreneurship throughout South Africa by creating sustainable networks, connecting entrepreneurs to the best resources and ensuring that an entrepreneurial spirit is promoted in various communities.

The opening ceremony for the GEW 2015 in South Africa will take place on Monday, 16 November, at the Gordon Institute of Business Science in Illovo Sandton with over 350 delegates expected to attend. It is only fitting that the ceremony be opened by the most prominent supporter of the GEW, the Minister of Small Business Development, Honourable Lindiwe Zulu. During the GEW, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to consult with various business mentors, discuss opportunities in the various corporate supply chains and network with other entrepreneurs.

Supporting the GEW opening ceremony this year are the Department of Small Business Development, the Gauteng Provincial Government, the City of Johannesburg, Barclays Africa, Transnet, Hollard, the SABS Design Institute, the SAB Foundation, Sefa, the Gordon Institute of Business Science ED Academy, the Innovation Hub, General Electric and SEA Africa.

GEN South Africa encourages all partners to take full advantage of this powerful week by fully promoting innovation in their various communities and ensuring that the entrepreneurs therein are supported with access to finance, markets and mentoring support.

To attend the GEW 2015 opening ceremony, please visit: https://www.research.net/r/GIBS_GEW_Conference_Response_Form

To learn more on the GEC 2017, please email: az.oc.acirfaaes@7102ceg