The Top Three Reasons That Global Entrepreneurship Week Matters

This week marks the second annual Global Entrepreneurship Week, a worldwide extravaganza to help celebrate and encourage entrepreneurship among young people. Sponsored by Make Your Mark and the Kauffman Foundation, the week is an agglomeration of events from around the globe, with lead programs focused on mentorship, speed networking, and fundraising. I'm a huge supporter, for three big reasons.

1. The Opportunity Gap. When you travel to other parts of the world, its clear that talent is distributed pretty evenly. People are smart, ambitious, and creative in cities, villages, and everything in between. At the same time, the opportunities to use those talents just don't exist for many. I think this is one of the most important injustices for us to recognize and redress to build a healthier, more equitable 21st century. GEW's focus on global entrepreneurship is a great way to highlight that brilliant ideas and great organizations can come from anywhere.

2. Sense of Common Purpose. I think that entrepreneurs often feel a tension between the desire for creative freedom and the desire to be a part of something larger than themselves and their companies. Worldwide events like GEW have the potential to speak to that second desire, and in the process pull people out of themselves, even if just for a minute to discover new partners and new inspiration.

3. Aspirational Model. Who young people look at and celebrate can make a significant difference in how they behave and what they aspire to become. Highlighting not just entrepreneurs, but peer entrepreneurs, has an immense validating power.

At the end of the day, this week is a celebration - of efforts past and efforts to come. At the same time, however, it is a platform that is meant to help nudge more and more talent towards action and commitment. Visit their website to learn more about the global events, and if you're on Twitter, add a ribbon to your avatar to show your support.