The third annual celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week (NEW) is February 21 - 28, 2009. Launched in response to a congressional resolution in 2006 advocating recognition of entrepreneurship at the local, state and national level, NEW celebrates the heritage of entrepreneurial leadership in America, and promotes entrepreneurship education as a lifelong learning process. This year, NEW is hosted by the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education.
This year, our state celebrates NEW Vermont-style with a full week of Vermont Entrepreneurship Week (VEW) festivities and events. These events are planned by the Vermont Entrepreneurship Collaborative, a network of business leaders, nonprofits, educators, and public officials working to advance the state of entrepreneurship together because entrepreneurial ventures build and sustain our rural economy. Entrepreneurs at every level bring innovative thinking, leadership and job creation to our communities. Join the Collaborative in celebrating their achievements with this line-up of Statehouse events:
On Wednesday, February 25th, Governor Douglas signs a Proclamation of VEW in his weekly press conference. And, on the morning of Friday, February 27th, at the Statehouse cafeteria, entrepreneurs, educators, students, and economic development professionals engage lawmakers in conversation at the VEW Legislative Reception. A special VEW luncheon at Capitol Plaza features a panel of college, business, and high school guests showcasing programs and partnerships from around the State that inspire and teach our students to become the next generation of entrepreneurs.
These events are made possible by the Vermont Entrepreneurship Collaborative and the following sponsors: Johnson State College, Merchants Bank, Community National Bank, Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Micro Business Development Program at Central Vermont Community Action Council, Vermont Commission on Women, Community Capital of Vermont, Vermont Small Business Development Center
VT REAL Enterprises, and Vermont Women s Business Center.
For information on other VEW events planned around the state visit http://www.vermontentrepreneur.org. And, for further information about the nationwide Entrepreneurship Week activities contact Cathy Ashmore, Executive Director, Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education, at [email protected] or visit www.entre-ed.org and www.nationalEweek.org.
About the Vermont Entrepreneurship Collaborative (VEC). VEC serves as a focal point for dialogue and collaboration between entrepreneurs, small and micro business service providers, educators, economic development professionals, policymakers, and others. VEC s vision is to foster and support a dynamic, vibrant and resource rich culture and environment that values and cultivates entrepreneurs in Vermont. To learn more about the VEC, join us online at http://vtentrepreneurship.ning.com.