Entrepreneurs, students, small business owners, and community members across central Pennsylvania are invited to attend a weeklong “celebration of innovation, creativity, and business development,” according to a news release, during Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov. 17-23, hosted by the Penn State Small Business Development Center.

According to Tim Keohane, director of the Penn State SBDC, Global Entrepreneurship Week at Penn State connects aspiring and current entrepreneurs with the resources, insights, and networks they need to succeed. Through more than 25 in-person and virtual presentations, workshops, and networking events across Centre, Clinton, Mifflin and Lycoming counties, participants will gain practical tools, meet like-minded innovators, and explore ways to grow their ideas into thriving businesses.

“This annual event continues to inspire and empower people to pursue their business goals,” said Keohane, according to the news release. Global Entrepreneurship Week “provides an incredible opportunity for people, including students, business owners, and community leaders, to connect, collaborate, and spark new ideas.”

Notable sessions and events include:

• The First Steps to Business Success (Virtual) – Tuesday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.: One-hour version of the monthly First Steps to Small Business Success webinar, providing an overview of what it takes to start and run a business.

• Community Networking Event (In-person) – Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub, 123 S. Burrowes St., State College: Connect with entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders during this lively in-person networking session.

• Shy Bear Brewing Entrepreneurial Meetup (In-person) – Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Lewistown: The Penn State Small Business Development Center and the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce host an exclusive Entrepreneurial Meet-Up. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from the owner of Shy Bear Brewing, who will share the story of how the brewery came to life.

• Network andConnect at Bald Birds Brewing Company (In-person) – Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Jersey Shore: This event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring founders from across Clinton and Lycoming Counties to connect directly with local and regional resource partners who support business growth and innovation.

• Overseas Adventures in AG and Food (Virtual and In-Person) – Thursday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., 200 Innovation Blvd., Technology Center, Room 157: An informal, interactive session about venues around the world in agriculture and with food, plus valuable lessons about international importing and exporting.

Other events include:

• “AI Made Simple: Help Boost Your Small Business” (Virtual) – Thursday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m. EST: Discover how artificial intelligence can streamline your business operations and open new growth opportunities.

• “Navigating Difficult Conversations: Master the Talks You’ve Been Dodging” (In person) – Thursday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. EST, Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub: Develop strategies to handle tough conversations with confidence and professionalism, a critical skill for any business leader.

Additional events include sessions on women in entrepreneurship, startup finance, marketing strategy, and veterans. Each program is designed to foster collaboration and provide direct access to Penn State’s innovation ecosystem, including Invent Penn State, Happy Valley LaunchBox, and numerous community partners.

Visit https://gew.psu.edu/attend/ for a complete schedule of events and registration information.

According to the news release, Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development, through support from Penn State, and by other sources of state and federal funding.