Innovators invited to take their next steps during Global Entrepreneurship Week

The Lincoln Trail region is ready to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 17-23.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups, bring ideas to life and drive economic growth. All over the world, activities are planned to help entrepreneurs take their next step, including three events right here in the Lincoln Trail region.

The week kicks off with the 100 Ideas for N.O.W. pitch contest, a follow-up to the recent event during which budding entrepreneurs gathered to collaborate on 100 potential business ideas. The event proved popular and participants generated far more than 100 ideas.

The pitch contest, which is open to everyone, could be your chance to find the funding to turn your great idea into a reality.

In addition to the Kentucky Innovation Network, representatives from Kentucky Career Center – Lincoln Trail, Lincoln Trail Workforce Investment Board, University of Kentucky Small Business Development, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and Coworking of Elizabethtown will be on hand to share information about local resources.

Contestants will deliver a three-minute pitch to fellow entrepreneurs and potential investors. The top three presenters will have an opportunity to present their ideas to the Lincoln Trail Venture Group.

This free event is set for 6 p.m. on Nov. 17, at the Brown-Pusey House, 120 N. Main St. in Elizabethtown. Register in advance at 100ideas4now.org.

On Nov. 20, the Lincoln Trail Venture Group will host its annual cocktail party and membership drive at 5:30 p.m. at the Brown-Pusey House. Whether you’re ready to launch your startup or interested in investing, this will be an opportunity to network and learn more about how you can get involved in moving our region’s economy forward.

The venture group’s event also will feature two investment opportunities. Former NFL and University of Louisville football player Brandon Johnson will present Level Up, and Kyle Green will pitch Healthcare Asset Network.

Global Entrepreneurship Week events wrap up with a special opportunity for students. On Nov. 22, the Innovation Network and ECTC will host Sharks in the Heartland, a pitch contest for students at ECTC and high schools in Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson and Washington counties. Students will pitch their ideas at ECTC’s science auditorium in Elizabethtown and the top three finishers will earn prizes and an opportunity to present to local investors.

Interested students should register by Nov. 17 at www.sharksintheheartland.weebly.com.