The Minnesota State University, Mankato College of Business Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship invites all students, faculty, staff and the entire community to an international celebration of entrepreneurship.

Greater Mankato Growth is proud to be a supporting partner for this week-long schedule of events.  These are great opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs to connect with existing business professionals.  By attending you will play a part in supporting local innovation and supporting new start-up enterprises.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is a celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand innovation. GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. GEW is held Nov. 12-18, 2018.

Unless noted, all events are free and will be held at the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 424 N. Riverfront Drive.  (Bus Route 7 runs to the Center 10 am until 9 pm)

New events may be added, for the most up-to-date list, click here

• Monday 11/12/2018: Startup Smart with the SBDC, 6 pm
  • Start Up Smart with the SBDC
    • 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Is entrepreneurship right for you? In this workshop, you will gain a basic understanding of the essential steps to getting your business off the ground and the many local and online resources available to help you. Hosted by the Small Business Development Center. The public is invited.

• Tuesday 11/13/2018:
  • Generation Start-Up -Panel and Entrepreneur Movie Night
    • 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Participate in table discussions with entrepreneurs and hear their stories. Fresh popcorn and a screening of “Generation Start-Up”, a film telling the story of six student entrepreneurship. The public is invited.
  • Learn to 3D Print/Create Prototypes
    • 3:30 – 5:15 pm, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
    • Beginner-level workshop on how to 3D print and create your own items. 3D can be used to make gifts or create prototypes for product ideas. Public invited: $15 fee, free to MNSU students. Presented by Cubic 3D.

• Wednesday 11/14/2018
  •  Speed Network the Globe
    • 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • You’ve heard of speed dating. We’re applying the same theory to help entrepreneurial students to meet potential team members and collaborators. A key component to succeeding in business is through networking – discovering new partnerships and possibilities. Come to grow your network! The public is invited.

• Thursday 11/15/2018
  • Small Business Saturday Coffee Kick Off
    • 9:00 – 10:00 am, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • The Small Business Development Center at Minnesota State University is partnering with Old Town Association, the Minnesota State University, Mankato College of Business Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and City Center Partnership of Mankato to celebrate shopping small and preview Small Business Saturday 2018.Join us to meet with local dignitaries and the small business owners in your community. Coffee and treats from local businesses will be provided.

• Friday, 11/16/2018: Better Business Bureau’s “You Make the Call”, 11 am
  • It takes years of hard work to build a solid reputation and one dissatisfied customer can possibly ruin it. Join Better Business Bureau for “You Make the Call”—an interactive, stuff-you-can-actually-use-today workshop to build YOUR better business and learn how to identify/avoid/resolve complaints!

• Friday, 11/16/2018: SBDC: Intro to HR for Entrepreneurs, 8:30am
  • As a small business owner, it is important that you understand the main human resource management issues. This session will cover basic human resources concepts, identify important human resources principles for a small business, explain the key processes in human resource management, and identify various laws associated with human resources.  NOTE: $15 fee

EVENTS AT THE CENTENNIAL STUDENT UNION ON THE MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO CAMPUS:

• Thursday 11/15/2018
  •  Big Ideas Challenge Kick off Lunch
    • 12:00 –  2:00 pm, CSU 253/4/5
    • Past Big Ideas Challenge finalists and winners will give testimonies and answer your questions. First round for the challenge will be opened and we’ll review the rules and criteria for judging.  MNSU Students and recent alumni only.
  • Craft Brewer Panel
    • 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Ostrander Auditorium
    • Craft brewers from Reunion Brewery, Mankato Brewery, and Schells Brewery will share their insights in a panel discussion followed by Q&A. Co-sponsored with Student Events. MNSU Students only.  (No pre-registration)

EVENTS IN OTHER LOCATIONS

• Tuesday 11/13/2018
  • Greater Mankato Business Awards.& Hall of Fame
    • 5:30 – 8:30 pm, Verizon Center Ballroom, 1 Civic Center Plaza
    • Greater Mankato’s premier business awards event.  NOTE: $70 fee
• Wednesday 11/14/2018
  • Business Before Hours Hosted by Affinity Plus Credit Union
    • 7:30 – 9:00 am, Affinity Plus Credit Union – 1600 Madison Ave.

Business Before Hours is a Greater Mankato Growth member event, but guests are invited to attend one at no cost or obligation.  Before Hours is an opportunity to get to know one another, exchange ideas and learn about the host organization,
Affinity Plus is a not-for-profit member-owned cooperative.