The underlying message of EntrepreneurshipWeek USA is one that resonates with people of all ages, of all ethnic backgrounds and from all walks of life. It is a celebration and an acknowledgement of what has made America great from the start. Its impact will be significant for not only those involved, but for the future generations of entrepreneurs as well as the economies to which they contribute.

From February 24 to March 3, 2007, EntrepreneurshipWeek USA held a collection of thousands of activities, ranging from high school competitions to academic gatherings and local town halls to a national policy summit. More than 700 organizations throughout the country have answered the call, planning activities in all fifty states. The George Washington University Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence (CFEE) has answered this proudly and hosted the main policy summit.

GW President Trachtenberg kicks-off GW's Participation.

President Trachtenberg's welcomed the participants of EntrepreneurshipWeek USA at the George Washington University's Jack Morton Auditorium. In his opening remarks President Trachtenberg's discussed GW’s continued commitment to entrepreneurship within its classrooms and own business endeavors.  He also mentioned CFEE's entrepreneurship education initiatives throughout GW and in particular their innovative TURBO BOOST Entrepreneurship Workshops’ for GW First Year Students. President Trachtenberg also mentioned GW's active participation in the revitalization of the District of Columbia Georgia Avenue corridor project.

President Trachtenberg's then introduced and warmly welcomed Carl Schramm, President & CEO, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the main driving force behind EntrepreneursipWeek USA. In addition to Mr. Schramm, the honorable Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor, and Steven Preston, Administrator of the US Small Business Administration were among the keynote speakers.

CFEE Participates in Roundtable Discussions Promoting Economic Growth

The centerpiece of EntrepreneurshipWeek USA policy summit in our nation’s capital featured a handful of roundtable discussions to examine key policy areas with a view to promoting new economic growth and innovation, as well as lowering barriers for individuals to form and sustain businesses that drive growth. Dr. George Solomon and Dr. Ayman Tarabishy from the George Washington University joined other experts and policy makers in these roundtable discussions.

These high-level discussions – tailored to foster direct and open discussion among the foremost thinkers in each area – will serve as the backdrop for a more visible media event. During the summit, the Kauffman Foundation released a white paper that outlined those key areas in order to promote further public debate.

Other EntrepreneurshipWeek Activities at GW

CFEE's hosted the School of Business Howard Hoffman Distinguished Lecture Series featured Jovita Carranza, Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration, while GW's Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Program led by Dr. Susan Duffy hosted Kimberly Wilson, the Creative Director and Founder of Tranquil Space Ventures, a yoga studio focused on nurturing students and helping them to enrich their lives through yoga.