By Montrel Wilson, Ecosystem Building Intern, UNTHSC
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur, innovator, new startup? A Business owner, job creator, an inquisitive person? Do you struggle finding resources, support, and an entrepreneurial community to help you in your endeavors?
You are not alone, the majority of “creators” struggle in these areas. This is where Global entrepreneurship week (GEW) comes in to play. GEW is a global movement celebrated in hundreds of cities around the world that reaches millions of people through local, national and global events, activities and competitions. The goal is to inspire communities to collaborate and share their networks and markets to build an ecosystem of healthy thriving entrepreneurship. It is also an objective of GEW to help educate entrepreneurs, business owners, “wantrepreneurs” (those who are interested to start a company), and the general public through different events that help them access different types of resources and skills to get them to the next level. Below we have our top 5 of events that we believe embody the richness and diversity of GEW in Fort Worth.
1. GEW Kickoff Party
Location: Fort Worth
Date: November 14
Cost: Free
This event is one the most anticipated events this week. Innovators, entrepreneurs and just your everyday Fort Worthians are eager to get this week started. This event is going to be brilliant! There will be food, drinks, live music from local band Fat Cheddar, and the opportunity to network with top entrepreneurs. This is a celebration of Fort Worth’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and with over 50 events planned throughout the week this event will give you a relaxing, enjoyable and inspiring start to this incredible week.
Bonus: This event will also be the official launching of SPARKYARD (www.Sparkyard.co) a free online website that helps connect entrepreneurs and business owners to the right resources at the right time to launch or scale their companies.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/global-entrepreneurship-week-kickoff-party-tickets-75948876133?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
2. Start Up Series with John Adams of Mucinex
Location: Fort Worth
Date: November 18th
Cost: Free
Have you ever heard of Mr. Mucus? The slimy middle-aged blob in the commercials? John Adams, his creator and the founder of Mucinex, will be speaking about his journey, entrepreneurship, and the numerous biotech companies he has started. This is big time – a rare opportunity to listen to an entrepreneur from North Texas that has reached the pinnacle. This event Is Top 5 because of its rarity, rarely will you get an opportunity to listen and speak to someone like this, at least not for free!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/start-up-series-with-john-adams-of-mucinex-tickets-77570859529?aff=ebapi
3. Never Too Early to Think Global: What DFW Startups can Learn from Nordic Startups about Scaling Globally
Location: Fort Worth
Date: November 22nd
Cost: Free
We are in for a treat with this one! A truly Global event! Come listen to Charlotte Danielsson, a board member of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Dallas and CEO of Silicon Vikings, give her presentation of Nordic entrepreneurial ecosystems. Nordic countries rank among the best in the 2019 Global Innovation Index and the number of startup companies valued over $1 billion is astonishing. Learn the secrets to Nordic success and insights of how to successfully go global from experts and Nordic entrepreneurs!
Bonus: See how your startup stacks up against other startups around the world. Come hear about the Startup World Cup Texas Regional and how to apply! The winner of the Texas Regional will go on to compete against startups from 40+ countries from around the world for a $1 million investment prize!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/its-never-too-early-to-think-global-tickets-79662327165
4. Startup Weekend Fort Worth
Location: Fort Worth
Date: November 15-17
Cost: $10-$99
TechStars Startup Weekend Fort Worth may just be one of the most captivating events. All they want you to bring are two things: an idea and energy! They’ll help you launch a company in 54 hours (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon). This is the place to look for a team, create a prototype of your idea, validate your business idea, and receive valuable feedback from experienced entrepreneurs who judge the pitches on Sunday evening. This weekend long experience includes a multitude of meals, one-on-one time with mentors, benefits and discounts from their global partners and all the coffee and internet you can consume. There are two types of tickets: the $10 Spectator Ticket gets you into the pitch sessions on Friday and Sunday. Regular tickets for participating in the weekend-long event will run you a bit more but there are discounts available. This event is in the top 5 because of the value you get for only $10, the price of a Big Mac, large fries and a large drink.
Register here: http://communities.techstars.com/events/15169
5. TCU Football Legends: Where are they now? Live Podcast by K^2
Location: Fort Worth
Date: November 18th
Cost: Free
This event is what you might call a “sleeper” meaning people do not truly understand the value they are receiving from it. This is an opportunity to listen to current and former Collegiate student-athletes (Including TCU’s starting right tackle David Bolisomi and Starting center Kelton Hollins) speak on a variety of topics including mental health, adulthood, entrepreneurship and the college transition. Not often do you get the chance to listen/speak to vulnerable collegiate athletes that have the courage to dive into very complex subjects. Organized by one of the brightest students at TCU, Danielle Bradford, a Graduate Assistant in the Student Athlete Development Department is confident you will have a memorable experience.
Register here: https://bit.ly/2OYDw3G
For more information on additional events please click the link:
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Montrel Wilson is an Ecosystem Building intern under the Research Development & Commercialization department of the UNTHSC. He is also a current student at Texas Christian University studying economics. In his short life, he has studied in both China and South Africa, all while studying Japanese. He hopes to obtain a better understanding of the world around him through travel and study.
