[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 177 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2011

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Global 
Entrepreneurship Week, a celebration of the innovators and job creators 
who launch new companies. These innovators bring forth new ideas, drive 
economic growth and expand human welfare. This year, I am pleased to 
announce that Global Entrepreneurship Week, supported by the Ewing 
Marion Kauffman Foundation in my district, will be celebrated in 123 
different countries, directly engaging more than seven million 
participants.
  During this week each November, Global Entrepreneurship Week inspires 
Americans from all walks of life through local, national and global 
activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-
starters and imaginative innovators. These activities, from large-scale 
competitions to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to 
potential collaborators, mentors and even investors--introducing them 
to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.
  But G.E.W. is more than just an awareness campaign supported by world 
leaders and celebrity entrepreneurs. It is a rallying cry, calling us 
to unleash ideas and bring them to life--recognizing opportunities, 
taking risks, solving problems, being creative, building connections 
and learning from both failure and success. It is about challenging 
young people to think big and to make an impact on the world.
  Entrepreneurs do three things--they advance innovation, build wealth 
for society, and create jobs. In fact, research from the Kauffman 
Foundation shows that almost all net new jobs in the United States over 
the past 25 years have come from firms less than five years old. It's 
not surprising that policymakers are looking to reinvigorate their 
economies by focusing on ways to stimulate new firm formation.
  I invite my colleagues to take part in Global Entrepreneurship Week 
in your community. Support the innovators and engage the entrepreneurs 
that are a driving economic force in each of our districts. Together, 
we can encourage and empower aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to 
unleash their ideas and create the startups of the future that will 
change our country forever.

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