Entrepreneurship Is For Everyone
Global Entrepreneurship Week is a movement that celebrates the empowerment of entrepreneurs in every country and community around the world – especially those who face structural barriers or may have never considered the idea of launching a startup. Each November, over 10 million people take part in thousands of activities, competitions and events that inspire them to act and provide them with the knowledge, experience and connections they need to succeed.
GEW was celebrated on Nov. 18-22, 2024 at the WT Enterprise Center, Click the video below to watch the highlights!
Global Entrepreneurship Week Is Nov. 18 - 22
Mon., Nov. 18
Pitch Event
8 am – Noon
Early-stage startups often struggle to secure funding. This event offers entrepreneurs a direct opportunity to compete for a share of $7,500 in prize money, which can be used to fuel growth or scale their businesses. Entrepreneurs will have the chance to showcase their businesses, both in private sessions and during the public pitch finals. This exposure could attract attention from potential customers, investors, or partners. Additionally, the event offers a chance to network with other startups, our ecosystem of ESO, and other business professionals. Sponsored by Amarillo National Bank and City Federal Credit Union.
Business owners who wish to enter the Pitch Event must be 18 years or older, must have made less than $75,000 in annual revenue, been in business for less that 2 years, be located in one of the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle, and have had an established business by Nov. 15. Entrepreneurs will not be alone while preparing for the Pitch Event as America’s SBDC at WT will offer no-cost assistance to entrepreneurs who wish to enter.
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Blueprint
6 – 8 pm
This engaging workshop helps entrepreneurs understand their own unique value propositions to create, evaluate, and refine their business models. Led by WT Enterprise Center coaches and America’s SBDC at WT consultants, Blueprint combines technical insights with personal support, guiding you through the exciting journey of entrepreneurship!
Click Here To Sign Up For Blueprint!
Tues., Nov. 19
Supper Club: Professional Burnout in Women
6 – 8 pm
Attend a special Supper Club where we’ll discuss Burnout in professional women, presented by Lisa Ricketson, LPC. This session offers a supportive space to discuss the unique challenges women face in the workplace, identify early signs of burnout, and learn practical strategies for maintaining balance and well-being. Through Lisa’s expert guidance and discussion, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and equipped with tools to navigate your career with renewed energy and purpose.
This event is SOLD OUT. Click To Be Added To The Waitlist!
Wed., Nov. 20
Supply Chain Insights: Strategies & Resources
9 – 10:15 am
This workshop introduces key strategies and concepts in supply chain management, offering practical tools to tackle real-world challenges. Participants will gain valuable insights into how effective supply chain management can create a competitive advantage, streamline operations, and reduce costs. Additionally, the workshop will highlight the risks of poor supply chain practices and how they can negatively impact overall business performance.
Panelist Include: Dusty Delano of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, Jana Hoggatt, Director of Procurement at Bell Helicopter, Luke Austin, VP of Procurement at Austin Hose, Kristi Russell, Executive Assistant at Midwest Machines
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Navigating Co-Packing Relationships
10:30 am- 11:30 am
This event is specifically designed for food manufacturers interested in learning about co-packing—partnering with third-party companies to help produce, package, or distribute their products. For many food businesses, co-packing can be a valuable way to scale up production, expand distribution, and save on operational costs. However, finding the right co-packer and understanding the process are essential for success.
This session, led by Brian Enevoldsen from the WT Enterprise Center and Dusty Delano from the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, will guide participants through what co-packing involves, what to consider, and how to determine if it’s the right fit for your business. Derek Skipworth, owner of Skip’s Mix, and Tami Potts, owner of Skip’s Salsa, will also bring their experience to the discussion of finding the right co-packer for your business.
Additionally, we’ll be sharing an extensive list of co-packers across the country to help kick-start your search.
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Crafting Effective Prompts for ChatGPT and Beyond
3 – 5 pm
Learn prompt design strategies that drive accurate AI responses. Gain insights from real-world examples and expert tips to take your AI prompting skills to the next level. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll develop practical skills and best practices to enhance your AI Interactions.
Thurs., Nov. 21
Expand with Go Texan
8:30 – 11 am
Curious about the GO TEXAN program and how it can support your Texas-made business?
RSVP and attend a panel discussion with Briann McLaughlin from the Texas Department of Agriculture and representatives from Creek House Honey Farm, Hot Ruby, and Bar Z, all proud GO TEXAN members. Learn how this program is helping local brands expand their reach and connect with new markets!
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Unlocking AI for Your Side Hustle: From Idea to Income
Presented by Logan Higuera of Open Ocean
6 – 8 pm
Looking for fresh ideas for your business
Sign and learn from OpenOcean’s Logan Higuera as he introduces ‘A.I.deation’—a method that uses A.I. to fuel creativity and strategic thinking. Logan will share hands-on tools and his own side hustle story to inspire your entrepreneurial journey. Ready to see what A.I. can do?
Fri., Nov. 22
Harvesting Success: Pitch Event Awards Ceremony, Food Trucks & Vendor Fair
5 – 8 pm
Who will win the crowd favorite?
At Harvesting Success, you’ll watch finalists pitch their business ideas live and vote for the pitch you think deserves the top spot! The audience favorite wins a local business gift card, and the judges will then announce their ranked finalists, with prizes sponsored by Amarillo National Bank and City Federal Credit Union. Plan to stay after the ceremony for food trucks, local vendors and live music.
Don’t miss this festive celebration of community and innovation! The Harvesting Success event marks the end of Global Entrepreneurship Week at the WT Enterprise Center.
Come See Who Will Win The Pitch Event! Click here for directions to the WT Enterprise Center
Our GEW Partners
WTAMU Paul & Virginia Engler College of Business
America's SBDC at WT
Sponsored By
Amarillo National Bank
Sponsored By
City Federal Credit Union
