Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

Hawaii Technology Development Corporation
For immediate release: November 1, 2021

HONOLULU—For the first time, all four provinces in the state of Hawaii are teaming up to bring Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) to entrepreneurs and businesses across the state. Global Entrepreneurship Week in Hawaii will take place November 8-14 with a series of live online events and workshops targeting local businesses at no cost to attendees.

GEW week focuses on encouraging startups to bring ideas to life and drive economic growth for small businesses. The ten workshops cover a variety of topics of interest to small businesses. Registration is now open on www.GEW-AlohaState.org.

Governor David Ige proclaimed GEW Aloha State Week on October 19, 2021, recognizing that entrepreneurs and their startups are the engine of economic vitality, particularly in rural and underserved communities, which accounted for 68.3% of all private payroll in 2020 jobs. GEW week helps to recognize the value of entrepreneurship in job creation, education, innovation and economic growth within our local communities. Topics of the event include sustainable tourism, entrepreneurial funding sources, small business cybersecurity, panel on women in technology, tips on driving innovation and the future of young entrepreneurs in Hawaii.

“The State of Hawaii celebrates our passionate and committed entrepreneurs. Their ingenuity and initiative create a more vibrant economy and help drive our communities toward a more sustainable future,” said Governor Ige.

“The pandemic constraints presented additional challenges to all of our businesses this year, so reaching out across provinces can be especially helpful for sharing experiences and lessons learned,” said Lori Fisher, organizer of the Maui Business Brainstormers (MBB), an official coordinator for GEW in Hawaii.

Every November, GEW celebrates and empowers millions of entrepreneurs in every country and community around the world, especially individuals who face barriers or who have never considered the idea of ​​starting their own business. A record 180 countries, GEW 2021 will participate in thousands of activities, competitions and events that will inspire them and provide them with the knowledge, experience and connections they need to succeed. GEW is an international movement, powered by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), committed to making it possible for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business.

The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism and its attached agency, the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, have a vested interest and mission in promoting innovation, supporting entrepreneurial development and providing the necessary resources to support local businesses. to assist.

“We are proud to be one of the partner organizations that helped bring GEW Hawaii together. We’re asking entrepreneurs across the state to join us and celebrate starting a business in Hawaii,” said Len Higashi, HTDC’s acting executive director.

For a full list of events, a list of participating provinces and organizations, or for more information about Global Entrepreneurship Week, visit www.gew.co.

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Media contacts:
Charlene Chan
Ministry of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
(808) 824-0134
dbedt.hawaii.gov

Sandi Kanemori
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation
(808) 539-3616
htdc.org

Lori Fishero
MBB organizer
Maui Business Brainstormers
(808) 283-4880
mauibusinessbrainstormers.org