During Global Entrepreneurship Week, which takes place every November, thousands of events and competitions in 170 countries inspire millions of individuals around the world to engage in entrepreneurial activities and connect with potential collaborators, mentors and investors.

There were approximately 25,000 events and 9 million people who recently participated in these events around the world during Nov. 12 through Nov. 18.

“I learned a lot from this past week’s events,” said Korah Lawrence, a sophomore majoring in general business. “The Global Entrepreneurship Week helped me improve my entrepreneurship skills, because initially I did not know much about being an entrepreneur.”

In Tuscaloosa, Culverhouse College of Business participated in GEW by hosting several smaller events along with its River Pitch Competition, in which students and community members alike came and pitched their entrepreneurial ideas in just three minutes at the Tuscaloosa River Market.

To begin the Week, The University of Alabama offered walk-in pitch practices on Monday, Nov. 12 from noon to 7 p.m. at the EDGE: Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This was the last coaching opportunity leading up to River Pitch.

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s November

Business After Hours event was held at Alabama One Credit Union from 5 to 7 p.m. for both students and Tuscaloosa community members. During the event, they celebrated Kinematic Sports, a medical equipment manufacturer located in Tuscaloosa, and its graduation from the EDGE. The Chamber also made time for networking and entrepreneurial discussions.

The 2018 River Pitch Competition then took place on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 9 p.m.

To end the week, the Alabama Small Business Development Center led a free workshop focusing on funding opportunities for small businesses in Alabama.

Tia Williams, a sophomore majoring in marketing, said she thought GEW was beneficial.

“I am so thankful for the networking opportunities, I met so many wonderful people in the industry,” Williams said.