Global Entrepreneurship Week at Penn State brought local entrepreneurs together

From November 18 to 22, Penn State campuses and surrounding communities were full of entrepreneurial energy as Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Penn State 2024 began, offering a diverse array of events designed to inspire and connect innovators across the community. Hosted by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the week featured 48 events, including workshops, networking sessions, and live discussions, all aimed at building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

One of the many new additions to this year’s lineup was the Boots to Business Reboot workshop, tailored specifically for veteran entrepreneurs. This hands-on 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, provided veterans with essential resources and guidance to launch and grow their businesses. The initiative underscores Penn State’s commitment to supporting those who have served by empowering them to succeed in entrepreneurial ventures.  

The inaugural W.E.Connect Conference, held on November 20 at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, drew over 120 attendees. Featuring seven dynamic speakers, the conference focused on fostering connections and celebrating resilience among women entrepreneurs. Hosted by Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank, the event sold out within 24 hours, highlighting the strong demand for resources tailored to women in business.  

Another new highlight of this year’s GEW included a live recording of the Dare to Disrupt podcast that took place at The Nittany Lion Inn. Host Ryan Newman interviewed Gary Brandeis, CEO and founder of Scholar Hotels, in which they discussed entrepreneurship within the real estate industry. This episode will be released in December, and you can subscribe and follow the podcast here: Dare to Disrupt podcast.  

The PM Exchange at New Trail Brewing Company in Williamsport, PA hosted 117 attendees. Presented by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, this event allowed local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to network, share ideas, and build new connections.  

“This year, we were able to share vital information with small business owners and entrepreneurs from across our county and beyond,” said Mark Stankiewicz, vice president of operations, marketing and communications at the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. “We look forwards to continuing our partnership with the Penn State SBDC and helping make Global Entrepreneurship Week even bigger in our area.” 

An additional new event this year was the Belleville River Raptor Jet Boat Entrepreneurial Meet-Up, hosted in partnership with the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.  

“Offering this behind-the-scenes look at River Raptor Jetboats provided an invaluable opportunity for our entrepreneurs to witness innovation and craftsmanship in action,” said Rhonda Kelly, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Jeff and Rob were perfect examples of the dedication, ingenuity, and strategic thinking required to take an idea and turn it into a successful business. It was a privilege to work alongside Penn State SBDC to see this event become part of the celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week.”  

Over 30 attendees got a behind the scenes look at the operations of River Raptor Jet Boats, a company renowned for building world-class aluminum jet boats and jet boat systems. The company builds commercial rescue boats and patrol boats for first responders, as well as boats for recreational use.  

“It was a great opportunity to tell our story…who we are and what we do, as well as how we’ve gotten to where we are,” said Jeff Kanagy co-owner of River Raptor Jet Boats. “Events like this one give us opportunities to share experiences and ideas with other entrepreneurs that both inspire and provide practical solutions to common challenges. It’s always great spending some time with other people that share the idea that success often lies in the unknown.”  

The annual Community Networking Event on November 19 brought together 124 entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub. Attendees engaged with local vendors and fellow entrepreneurs, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines Penn State’s entrepreneurial community. Held in partnership with the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) this event has become a staple of GEW.  

Looking ahead, the excitement is already building for next year’s GEW, set to take place November 17–23, 2025. 

About Invent Penn State 

Invent Penn State blends entrepreneurship-focused academic programs, business startup training and incubation, funding for commercialization, and university/community/industry collaborations to facilitate the challenging process of turning research discoveries into valuable products and services that can benefit Pennsylvanians and humankind. 

GEW Penn State partners with Invent Penn State to help further its mission of economic development, student career success, and job creation. 

About the Penn State SBDC 

Funding support and resources are provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development; and in part through support from Penn State and with assistance from Lock Haven University. All services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. SBDC services are not available to individuals or entities that have been debarred or suspended by the federal government. 

SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States 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.