Global Entrepreneurship Month 2024

Every November, Washington celebrates entrepreneurship statewide. We honor the work of people in towns, cities, and counties to help residents nurture and grow a successful business. It is inspired by and builds upon Global Entrepreneurship Week (Nov. 18-24), an international event that hosts entrepreneur activities around the world.

Entrepreneurship isn’t something you’re born with. You learn it from others. Through the Office of Economic Development and StartUp Washington, along with our partners across the state, we will share with you the secrets to starting and operating a successful business, whether it’s a new cafe on main street or the next e-commerce juggernaut. When paired with our education opportunities, including the Entrepreneur Academy, ScaleUp or Thrive! and more, you’ll learn a wide range of skills, from mastering the mysteries of supply chain to sourcing capital.

Entrepreneuship events

During Global Entrepreneurship Month, events and education will be offered around our state. Here are just a few:

November 19, 10-11 AM
Entrepreneurs Going Global Conversation
Virtual Event!  
Remove the guesswork on exporting by joining this FREE webinar featuring key experts, including the SBA Office of International Trade, the Greater Seattle Export Accelerator Program, The Washington Department of Commerce and others to learn how entrepreneurs can conduct business globally.

November 19, 11 AM – Noon
Learn About the City of Spokane Valley Permit Center and Business Licensing
Virtual Event!  
This FREE webinar offers detailed information to help businesses and entrepreneurs obtain city business licenses and permits.  This webinar is produced in partnership with the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Spokane Valley.

November 19, 4 PM
Unlocking the Future: Harnessing AI Tools for Business @ Shadle Park Library
Location: Shadle Park Library, Spokane — Actionable steps to effectively integrate AI into your business. FREE to all attendees.

November 19, 5:30 PM
Get Your Marketing Right with StartUp Spokane
Location: Shadle Park Studio LIbrary, Spokane — FREE In-person training session to learn more about the StartUp Spokane platform for Spokane area businesses … for FREE.

November 20, 2-4 PM
Small Business Resources — Meet the Local (Spokane) Experts
Location: Spokane Valley Library AND online
This FREE event offers guidance and resources to assist businesses and entrepreneurs with all the factors that impact starting and growing a business, from developing a business plan, hiring staff, marketing, and licensing to marketing, customer service and free online resources.

November 21, 11 AM
Crowdfunded Better® Certified Advisor Training Cohort Information Session
Virtual Event!  
Join your peers in unlocking community capital throughout Washington State! You’ll learn about this training which will strengthen your capacity to match businesses and community projects to different types of crowdfunding and align support to their stage and goals.

Past events

November 1, 4-6 PM
Kick-off Party
Location: at Whistlepunk Brewing in Spokane — Offered by StartUp Spokane, a partnership of the Spokane Public Library any Spokane County Public Library District. FREE to all attendees.

November 6, 9-10 AM
Virtual Event!
Intro to Business Live Webinar — This FREE event is offered by the Thurston County Economic Development Council Center for Businss and Innovation.

November 8, 7:30 AM
Business Brew with Josh King 
Location: At the Hive, a Spokane Public Library — Coffee with a business expert to ask questions and get real-time answers and feedback. FREE to all attendees.

November 12, 5-8:30 PM
Small Business Requirements and Resources Workshop 
Location: Cardinal Center at Skagit Valley College – Held by the Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA), this FREE workshop covers all the essentials that small business owners need-to-know.

November 13, 5-8:30 PM
En Español 
Small Business Requirements and Resources Workshop 
Location: Cardinal Center at Skagit Valley College – Held by the Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA), this FREE workshop covers all the essentials that small business owners need-to-know. 

November 14, 12 PM
Content that Converts: ShopTalk with the Woodshop 
Location: The Hive, a Spokane Public Library — Explore how-to define your audience, create social media content that really works. FREE to all attendees.