What is the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC)?
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) that will be hosted by Johannesburg in March 2017 is an inter-disciplinary gathering of start-up champions from all around the world.
Which entities were responsible for winning the bid to host the GEC in South Africa?
The partnership between the Department of Small Business Development, the City of Johannesburg, Barclays Africa and SEA Africa successfully secured the bid.
Who will attend the congress?
Thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and policymakers who have become part of a global movement that advances entrepreneurship as a means to build economies and improve human welfare, will attend.
How many people are expected to attend?
About 5 000 people from 157 countries will attend the congress.
How will entrepreneurs benefit from the GEC?
Entrepreneurs will get an invaluable opportunity to learn from the experiences of successful local and international innovators and also be able to create opportunities for partnerships, mentorships and the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
Entrepreneurs will benefit because the GEC will help create new start-up communities and businesses, encourage entrepreneurial development at early stages and boost support for SME development. Hosting the congress will also increase public recognition and awareness of the entrepreneur’s important economic role and help to build an African Entrepreneurship Network.
Why is it important for South Africa and Africa to host the GEC 2017?
It is important for South Africa and Africa to host the congress for the first time on the continent to strengthen our current entrepreneurial ecosystems, enhance an entrepreneurial culture among our youth, women and people with disabilities, and also create jobs.
How will Johannesburg benefit financially from hosting the GEC?
Johannesburg will benefit from having new start-up businesses emerge, while revenue in its tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors will increase.
How will Johannesburg benefit from the publicity around the GEC?
The significant media interest expected from journalists all over the world will ensure the long-term benefits associated with a City hosting a global event such as this.
How will hosting the GEC boost Johannesburg’s reputation?
The congress will again confirm Johannesburg’s status as an accomplished host of major international events.
How will hosting the GEC contribute to the branding of Johannesburg?
The GEC will contribute to the branding of Johannesburg and South Africa as prime investment destinations on an important global platform.
What is the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES)?
Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) was launched by United States President Barack Obama in 2009 as a global platform “to empower entrepreneurs with the skills and resources necessary to compete and thrive in the 21st century”.
GES was introduced by President Obama to support Muslim communities and entrepreneurs globally – this is strictly an invite only event by US government. They usually invite host organisations of GEW in their various countries and some Muslim entrepreneurs globally. This accommodates around 1000 delegates.
