KIHEI — For the first time ever, Hawaii joins the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators for Global Entrepreneurship Week, which is celebrated in more than 170 countries each November.

The number of countries has grown from 70 in 2008, when the initiative was launched by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) in Washington, D.C.

Maui Business Brainstormers (MBB) is the GEN coordinator for Global Entrepreneurship Week in the State of Hawaii.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) focuses on encouraging startups that bring ideas to life and driving economic growth for small businesses.

During one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors, introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.

“Expanding GEW across the state this year benefits everyone who can’t wait to get back to normal — this means the entire State of Hawaii,” said Lori Fisher, also part of the GEW Aloha State organizing team.

“Until businesses are back to normal, the state and our daily lives will not be normal.”

Anyone can attend the following free “virtual events,” including people already in business, students or those hoping to start up their own enterprise.

The events will happen live online and are planned for the week of November 16-20, 2020:

“Downsizing Your Stress in Corona-Times” — This talk about reducing and managing stress kicks off the 2020 “GEW Aloha State.” The stress of COVID-19 is evident throughout our businesses and communities.

“Three Growth Stages of Marketing a Business Online” — People are turning to social media like never before to find a sense of community due to COVID-19.

“Climbing Out of the COVID-19 Hole” — A forward look at surviving the COVID-19 storm and rebuilding beyond, with key economic leaders from across counties within the state.

“Storytelling that Attracts the Right Customers” — Every business has a story to tell. Learn how to use it to create a brand that attracts success.

“More Clients, Less Marketing: How to Create More Leads and Income by Doing Less” — Client generation is the lifeblood of your business. But with so many marketing options and such uncertainty due to Coronavirus, how do you cut through the noise and find your best strategy for growth?

“Podcasting to Grow Your Business” — From a coded program called “iPodder” for iPods in 2004 to 2019: 165 million people have listened to a podcast, with 90 million Americans listening monthly.

“Four 4 Proven Steps to Turn Strangers into New Clients Online” — Learn how to find your ideal clients from the U.S. continent online, and how to start a conversation and turn strangers into paying clients without being tech savvy, “salesy” or pushy.

“Innovation Economy, Clean Tech and a Sustainable Strategy for Hawaii” — The state’s economy has been severely impacted by COVID-19. Many businesses are closing. Local businesses need new ideas that will help them — and the economy of Hawaii — survive and thrive.

For more information and registration for each of these events, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/gew-aloha-state-31457680049.

As further indication of the commitment of the State of Hawaii to the revitalization of the local business community, Gov. David Ige signed a proclamation on Oct. 22, 2020, for Global Entrepreneurship Week in Hawaii, highlighting how vital it is for all of us in the state to support the revitalization of local entrepreneurship.