ALTOONA, Pa. —Penn State Altoona will hold several activities and events as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week on Nov. 2 and Nov. 8-12.
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is the annual celebration of Penn State's year-round commitment to innovation. It brings together students, faculty, staff and community members to promote the entrepreneurial spirit and cultivate student start-ups. Each November, GEW aims to inspire people everywhere through local, national and global events to help them explore their potential as innovators and self-starters. Workshops, presentations and networking can help participants get started.
Events include:
- Top Five in Twenty-Five Speaker Series: "Five Tips to Build Your Professional Network" — with Mary Ann Amato, director of Development and Alumni Relations at Penn State Altoona. Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 12:05 to 12:30 p.m. in room 201 of the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence or via Zoom. Open to all students and community members.
- Entrepreneur in Residence — with Amy Mearkle, director of marketing and advertising, DelGrosso's Amusement Park and Marianna's Fundraisers. Monday, Nov. 8, from noon to 4:05 p.m. at the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Students will have the opportunity to expand their network and get immediate feedback on their ventures or entrepreneurial career goals and aspirations. With advanced online registration, students schedule one-on-one time with visiting entrepreneurs from diverse fields and backgrounds. Open to Penn State Altoona students with an ENTR minor or ENTR option in Business.
- Toona Tank — Monday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Slep Student Center or via Zoom. Toona Tank is a game show style spoof of the hit ABC show, “Shark Tank.” In the Toona Tank, Penn State Altoona students will compete to sell a random, whacky idea or product to win prizes. Contestant participation is open to Penn State Altoona students. Viewing and voting participation is open to all students and community members.
- Top Five in Twenty-Five Speaker Series: "The Elevator Isn’t Empty—Best Practices for Developing Your Elevator Pitch" — with José Otero, innovation coach/portfolio manager, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA. Tuesday, Nov. 9, from noon to 12:30 p.m. in room 201 of the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence or via Zoom. Open to all students and community members.
- Student Entrepreneur Panel — Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 3 to 4 p.m. in room 201 of the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence or via Zoom. Students from Penn State Altoona will share their back stories, motivations, failures and successes in launching their own business endeavors. The event will wrap up with a Q&A session to motivate other young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. Open to all students and community members.
- Finance 101 for Startups — Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. in room 201 of the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence or via Zoom. Get the financial information you need to start and maintain your business. Panelists will discuss important financial documents, loan programs, venture capital and angel investors, and the importance of personal credit. Open to all students and community members.
- Entrepreneur in Residence — with Kelley Lynch, president of the Penn State Alumni Association. Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 1 to 4:15 p.m. in the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Students will have the opportunity to expand their network and get immediate feedback on their ventures or entrepreneurial career goals and aspirations. With advanced online registration, students schedule one-on-one time with visiting entrepreneurs from diverse fields and backgrounds. Open to Penn State Altoona students with an ENTR minor or ENTR option in Business.
- Fast Track to Success Networking for Students — Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. in room 201 of the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Join fellow students in a stress-free networking event with seasoned professionals from our community. This is an opportunity to network; gain insight, perspective and advice; sharpen your communication skills for the real world; and pursue connections that may lead to an internship or job. Registration is available online. Open to Penn State Altoona students.
- Entrepreneur in Residence — with Catherine McCabe, owner, ServiceMaster by Request, Merry Maids, and Greenbean Coffee House. Friday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. in the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Students will have the opportunity to expand their network and get immediate feedback on their ventures or entrepreneurial career goals and aspirations. With advanced online registration, students schedule one-on-one time with visiting entrepreneurs from diverse fields and backgrounds. Open to Penn State Altoona students with an ENTR minor or ENTR option in business.
- Pechter Business Plan Competition Registration Deadline — Friday, Nov. 19. The Pechter Business Plan Competition is an opportunity for Penn State Altoona students to distinguish themselves from other students and turn great ideas in to great business ventures. Students compete for cash prizes, including $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Registration is available online. Open to Penn State Altoona students.