Sacramento State students, alumni, and community leaders will celebrate the University’s innovative and entrepreneurial culture during the second annual Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 13-17.

The weeklong event, featuring programs at several on-campus venues and two locations off campus, is part of a worldwide initiative to support entrepreneurial efforts, inspire creativity, and foster fresh ideas.

Reaching across campus and the region, significant presentations, networking opportunities, and workshops are planned. Included are sessions on entrepreneurship for not-for-profit arts organizations, technology companies, health and human services, and social causes.

“Global Entrepreneurship Week is a signature event for Sacramento State,” says President Robert S. Nelsen. “We’ll be sharing some exciting information, and I hope to see a huge crowd. Sacramento State is transforming the region.” 

Students participating in the sessions can benefit from enriched out-of-the-classroom experiences that connect learning to real-world opportunities. Alumni and community members have the opportunity to enjoy thought-provoking discussions and workshops with like-minded learners.

Seung Bach, a professor of entrepreneurship and strategic management, is again leading efforts for the popular Shark Tank-like Pitch Competition hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship on Wednesday evening in the Hinde Auditorium.

“The week’s events are not only for startups and entrepreneurs but for all people, to inspire their entrepreneurial mindsets of innovation in their own fields,” says Bach. “At Sacramento State, this week is truly an exemplar endeavor and the result of multilateral collaborations and partnerships to promote the mission of encouraging entrepreneurship.”

Key events include:

Monday, Nov. 13, 1-1:50 p.m., University Union, Redwood Room

  • “Risk Taking, Dream Making” with Dale Carlsen, Ticket to Dream Foundation CEO and founder of Sleep Train Mattress Centers

Carlsen will talk about growing his business to a national scale, and how entrepreneurial characteristics such as drive, versatility, motivation, and vision are essential tools for success.

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6-8 p.m., Harper Alumni Center

  • “Starting a Business? Top 10 Things to Know”

Learn the top 10 things small businesses often do that can be detrimental to starting a business.

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 5:30-9 p.m., University Union, Hinde Auditorium

  • The Pitch Competition

Students will have an opportunity to pitch their business ideas in front of a panel of judges. Winners will receive prize money and the opportunity to represent Sacramento State in a national competition.

 Thursday, Nov. 16, 5-7 p.m., University Union, Orchard Suite

  • “Making a Difference: The Intersection of Work and Community” with Warren Smith, president, Sacramento Republic FC.

Smith sees the need for all of us to be involved in other efforts outside of work. He says, “Each and every one of us can make the world better by making our community a better place to live, work, and play.”

Additional events include the debut of the College of Business Administration’s Organizational Wisdom Institute Project, an interactive panel of faculty and actors from B Street Theater who will explore the concept of deconstructing anger in organizations. The CBA Film Festival on Nov. 16 shares the same theme with four film projects produced by students. 

The full schedule of events and details are available online. All events are free and open to the public unless noted otherwise.

Sacramento State Global Entrepreneurship Week is funded by private support from sponsors including AT&T, Keller Family Pathway Fund of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, SMUD, University Enterprises Inc. (UEI), and VSP.

For more information, contact Anita Fitzhugh at (916) 278-2806 or visit the event website. – Anita Fitzhugh