Posted by Eric Hubbs on Tue, Nov 17, 2009 @ 09:36 AM
By Michael Gunther, President and Founder, Collaboration LLC
Building a Stronger Community
Small businesses are the heart of our country and are essential to building stronger communities. Think about it; America's growth has always been a result of risk takers - from our earliest pioneers risking everything they had for better lives to our recent innovators rapidly developing technology to enhance how we live, work, and play. This free, independent spirit that has driven our country forward comes from the heart of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurs' ambition to do something better, different, or faster than others drives them to risk their time and money, which in turn builds a stronger community by providing jobs and resources. As we work to rebuild our economy, it is essential that we celebrate the contributions of entrepreneurs and encourage others to join in.
Thanks to multiple government agencies, non-profits, and for-profit organizations that have taken the time to research statistics behind the contributions of small businesses, our society has begun to realize just how much business owners and entrepreneurs truly strengthen our communities.
For example, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy (2009) reports that the estimated 29.6 million small businesses in the United States employ just over half of the country's private sector workforce; hire 40% of high tech workers, such as scientists, engineers, and computer workers; include 52% home-based businesses and two percent franchises; represent 97.3% of all the exporters of goods; represent 99.7% of all employer firms; and generate a majority of the innovations that come from United States companies.
This knowledge has led to programs and education designed to help entrepreneurs get started. One of these movements, Global Entrepreneurship Week, will take place November 16-22 and will bring together millions of young people worldwide, encouraging them to embrace innovation, imagination, and creativity.
Founded in 2008, Global Entrepreneurship Week seeks to accomplish four goals:
Inspire. Introduce entrepreneurship to young people under the age of 30 who otherwise might not have considered it a career path.
Connect. Network with young people across national boundaries to discover new ideas at the intersection of cultures and disciplines.
Mentor. Enlist inspirational entrepreneurs around the world to coach and mentor the next generation of talent as they pursue their dreams.
Engage. Demonstrate to opinion leaders and policymakers how entrepreneurship is central to a nation's economic health and culture.
To accomplish these goals, organizers promote the following four Official Activities that anybody, including YOU, can register to be involved with:
Global Innovation Tournament. Organize a group of students to compete to develop innovative solutions to a specified global problem.
Speednetwork the Globe. Host an event where every five minutes participants find another person to network with, encouraging them to unleash energy, share ideas and make connections - fast.
Mentoring Madness. Inspire young entrepreneurs by organizing a local panel of successful entrepreneurs to hold discussions with them.
Global Clean Tech Open. Encourage youth to submit their clean technology business idea - from ways to generate clean energy to ways to policy initiatives. The winner receives start-up funds and assistance to start a business.
By participating in movements such as Global Entrepreneurship Week, we have the opportunity to build a stronger community: globally, nationally, and locally.
The Bottom Line
As an entrepreneur, YOU are key to a sustained recovery - to grow the economy, to create jobs, and to revitalize America. I encourage you to support the small businesses in your community and to encourage our youth to think about a career in small business.
For additional information on Global Entrepreneurship Week, go to: www.unleashingideas.org/usa
Is there a topic that you would like Michael to discuss? If so, email him at mgunther@collaboration-llc.com or call (805) 541-9040 to let him know.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education, coaching, and consulting services. Learn more at www.collaboration-llc.com.
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