From the 14th to the 20th November 2011, millions of young people around the world celebrated Global Entrepreneurship week (GEW). Now in its fourth year, this event was designed to connect aspiring and inspiring entrepreneurs, helping them embrace originality, imagination and ingenuity through local and global activities.
GEW has grown exponentially since its inaugural event in 2008. This year, over 23,000 partner organisations shall be holding over 37,000 activities in 123 countries. Since GEW's inception four years ago, The Edward de Bono Institute has been the official National Host for this event in Malta. This year, we have collaborated with various partner organisations to put together an exciting programme of events to join this global celebration of entrepreneurship.
1. University of Malta Conference: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
This conference was held at the University of Malta on Friday 18 November from 16:30 to 18:30. Six renowned speakers shared their ideas and experiences on entrepreneurship and innovation through presentations and an interactive discussion with the audience. This event was open to the general public and attendance was free of charge.
2. University of Malta Degree Plus: BoV JEREMIE Financing for SMEs
A seminar on the JEREMIE financing package for SMEs was delivered by Bank of Valletta training officials at the Malta Chamber of Commerce in Valletta on Wednesday 16 November between 12:00 and 14:00. This event was limited to University of Malta students following the Degree Plus Entrepreneurship programme and was free of charge.
3. MAWOP Discussion Over Coffee: Entrepreneurial Intuition
A presentation on entrepreneurial opportunity identification and exploitation, focusing on the role of intuition in this process, was delivered by Leonie Baldacchino, followed by an interactive discussion on the topic. This event was organised by the Malta Association of Work and Organisational Psychologists (MAWOP) in collaboration with The Edward de Bono Institute and was held at Professional Health and Beauty Services in Mosta on Thursday 17 November from 18.30 to 20.30. It was open to the general public for a participation fee of 5 Euros per person.
4. IVCM Mentor Morning
This mentor morning was a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to an experienced mentor who shall provide feedback and guidance. This event, which was held at the International Vocational College Malta (IVCM) in St. Julians on Monday from 09.00 to 12.00 was open to the general public free of charge. View the profile of the mentors.
5. JCI Best Business Plan Competition
The final judging and awards night of this competition was this year held as part of GEW on Thursday 17 November at the US embassy in Malta. Participation at this event was by invitation only.
The main aim of the above activities was to interact, network, collaborate and share ideas - and to find out more about the support available and the skills required in today's competitive global scenario.
View photographs of this year's Global Entrepreneurship Week.
For more information on Global Entrepreneurship Week please visit the official GEW website or contact Leonie Baldacchino via email.