KU to host Global Entrepreneurship Week celebration


U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.


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LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas School of Business, in a partnership with the engineering and journalism schools, will host a celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week on Nov. 9 at the Lied Center of Kansas pavilion.

The day will culminate with a discussion with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., on entrepreneurship and public policy. Moran introduced Startup Act 2.0, a bipartisan piece of legislation to jump-start the economy and create jobs through a dose of entrepreneurship, innovation and free markets. Startup Act 2.0 addresses some of the issues entrepreneurs face, including the country's regulatory environment, immigration policy and the tax code.

"Kansas has a rich history as a place where innovators have been free to pursue their ideas, start businesses, and pursue their dreams – and we must keep it that way," Moran said. "That is why I introduced bipartisan legislation called Startup Act 2.0 to make it easier for entrepreneurs in Kansas and across the country to succeed. I'm glad to have the opportunity to discuss Startup Act 2.0 during Global Entrepreneurship Week — a time to celebrate the many contributions entrepreneurs make to our economy. This event will allow KU students to get to know the entrepreneurial community in Kansas and learn how to turn their ideas into careers."

"This event offers a great opportunity to expose students from all across the university to entrepreneurship as a career path," said Charlotte Tritch, associate director of entrepreneurship and coordinator of the event. "It will introduce students to entrepreneurs and startup companies in the region, and they'll learn from policy makers about the role of government in enabling entrepreneurship, innovation and company creation."

The celebration will begin at 10 a.m. with a moderated panel discussion featuring area entrepreneurs, including Bill Donovan, president of Pulse Aerospace and KU aerospace engineering alumnus; Naithan Jones, CEO and founder of AgLocal, a mobile-based agriculture application that has gained national attention; Joseph Melookaran, president of JMA Information Technology; and Danny O'Neill, founder of The Roasterie, a Kansas City-based specialty coffee roaster.

Attendees will have a networking lunch with area entrepreneurs, KU students and faculty, and invited guests, and the event will close with an entrepreneurship showcase, where KU students will interact with startup organizations and smaller companies looking to hire young talent and provide resources for future entrepreneurs.

KU's Global Entrepreneurship celebration aims to expose students to entrepreneurship as a career path, introduce students to startup companies in the region and learn from policy makers about the role of government in enabling entrepreneurship, innovation and company creation.

"The event is especially exciting because this event at KU is a part of a global celebration of entrepreneurship happening all around the world during Global Entrepreneurship Week – there are 35,000 events happening in 125 different countries," Tritch said.

Since its inception in 2008, Global Entrepreneurship Week has become the world's largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.

The event is free and open to all KU students, faculty and staff, but space is limited, and reservations are required. To guarantee a spot at the event, send email by Friday, Nov 2. For more information, contact Charlotte Tritch by email or (785) 864-7563.

Media are invited to attend.


Tue, 10/30/2012

author

Austin Falley

Media Contacts

Austin Falley

School of Business

785-864-3852