1. Why Celebrate National Entrepreneurship Week?

This annual celebration is designed to expand the visibility of National Entrepreneurship Week in the United States. Our plans are to institutionalize it as a celebration of American entrepreneurs and the lifelong learning educational opportunities that prepare the NEW business leaders of the future. The Week is in response to the U S House of Representatives Resolution #699, supporting an annual National Entrepreneurship Week and encouraging the celebration of it annually at the local, state, and national levels.

2. Why invite media participation into your event?

We want to make sure that all kinds of people learn about entrepreneurship education in its many forms that are going on in your community and how entrepreneurship drives the economy.

3. What is the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education?

For over 25 years our member organizations have served as advocates for entrepreneurship education as a lifelong learning process at all levels of education. We encourage organizations to join us in spreading the word about the many benefits of providing entrepreneurship learning activities for all students. Check out our website at http://www.entre-ed.org/.

4. How do I become a member of the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education?

Membership is open to all, with various levels including Sponsors, Corporate Members, and Partners. In addition we have recently added a new Ambassador membership option for teachers. Find out all about becoming a member at http://www.entre-ed.org/.

5. What is the best time to begin my activities for National Entrepreneurship Week?

Start planning now for the main event in your area during the week of February 20-27, 2010. Get partners, media, local leaders and the community involved in activities leading up to the event. The more effort you put into planning, the more effective your events will be.

6. Can I begin the activities before February?

Yes, have a series of planning meetings, as well as smaller events to get people involved. Use other planned events around that period of time to add a celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week. And check out the MARKETING MATERIALS and IDEAS for promoting your events in your state.

7. Do I have to be a member of the Consortium to Participate?

No. Consortium members are serving as the national hosts of this year’s National Entrepreneurship Week 2010. We encourage everyone to get involved in activities and events. There are many ways to participate. Check out our suggestions and the ideas of others by going to the Contact Us page on the website.

8. Is National Entrepreneurship Week only for K-12 Education?

No, absolutely not. National Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of a lifelong learning challenge for youth and adults interested in finding exciting career opportunities. We see both teachers and students being involved at all levels, as well as entrepreneurs, policy makers, community leaders, and parents.

9. Why are there two weeks celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week?

The Consortium is continuing the celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week annually the final week in February, with a special focus on entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurs in the US. The Kauffman Foundation is funding a Global Entrepreneurship Week in November, to be able to enlist many countries in celebrating entrepreneurial opportunities. We see these as two very different concepts and encourage our networks to work with either or both as best suits your particular interests.

10. Do I have to be an educational organization to participate in the celebration?

No. We encourage all those who value what entrepreneurs have done in our economy and value the opportunity for people to improve their skills as entrepreneurs to celebrate the value that entrepreneurship education brings to our economy. Often Chambers of Commerce, centers for leading entrepreneurship initiatives, and rural development, etc wants to lead the charge in their communities and states for entrepreneurship and National Entrepreneurship Week allows just the venue they need. Create the Future!

11. Are all activities in a State coordinated through the State Leadership Teams?

The State Leadership Team coordinates those activities that need state level coordination such as state wide forums, celebrations, publicity, and perhaps business plan competitions for specific levels of state wide organizations. Many local schools, community colleges, and regional organizations conduct celebration events and promote their activities using the National Entrepreneurship Week as the opportunity to do so. State Leadership Teams are delighted to be informed and to assist when they can just as the Consortium for Entrepreneurship is delighted to know of your activities, but organizations often do their best work on their own.