Entrepreneurs From Around the World Visit DC
Ryan Meyer
Washington, DC (Vocus) September 21, 2010
On Sunday 19 September, selected leading entrepreneurs from around the world came together in Washington to embark on the U.S. State Department’s “A New Beginning: Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation” program. Announced by President Obama at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship in April, this groundbreaking program is designed as a professional exchange experience for 30 leading entrepreneurs from 30 different countries.
In partnership with Business for Diplomatic Action and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the initiative is engaging delegates in a three-week program of educational experiences, peer-to-peer sharing, cultural engagement, mentoring and long-term relationship-building with each other and with leading American entrepreneurs, business executives, government officials and leaders from civil society. The program was developed in cooperation with the International Visitors Leadership Program of the US Department of State and with program administrator World Learning Visitor Exchange Program.
While in Washington, DC, the first stop on the three-week, four city tour, the delegates will meet with some of the area’s most successful entrepreneurs, visit local businesses, take part in entrepreneurship-focused curriculum and take in DC sights and experiences. On Tuesday 21 September, the delegates will join in a networking reception with EO’s DC Chapter, BDA Board members and State Department representatives, followed by a Washington Nationals baseball game.
"Our organization is excited to lend our entrepreneurial expertise and knowledge to help this valuable initiative move forward and achieve success," said Kevin Langley, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization’s Global Board Liaison to Emerging Programs and its Chairman for 2011-2012.
"This unique program shows how business can build new bridges of understanding and respect across cultures,” said Tom Miller, Vice President of Business for Diplomatic Action. “It will also create relationships to help build more successful businesses here in America and around the world."
US embassies in 30 countries selected these high-growth, high-potential entrepreneurs who are committed to growing their businesses and creating new employment opportunities in their communities. Selected delegates have all demonstrated high levels of interest in creativity and innovation. They are forward-thinking, open to new ideas and keenly interested in establishing and expanding business relationships with colleagues and peers in the United States.
This collaboration also examines strategies used in the United States to enhance the capacities of young business managers; to develop a spirit of entrepreneurship and small business enterprise; and to strengthen societies through the pursuit of social entrepreneurship.
About the Entrepreneurs’ Organization
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) – for entrepreneurs only – is a dynamic global network of more than 7,500 business owners in 38 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. Membership in one of EO’s 116 chapters is by invitation only; the average member is 40 years old with annual revenues of US$18.4 million. For more information on EO, visit www.eonetwork.org or call +1.703.519.6700.
About Business for Diplomatic Action
Business for Diplomatic Action (BDA) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enlist the U.S. business community in actions to improve the standing of America in the world, with the goal of once again seeing America admired as a global leader and respected as a courier of progress and prosperity. Founded in January 2002, BDA’s Board now includes representatives from companies including American Airlines, BBDO, Boeing, Clorox, Coca-Cola, DDB, Fleishman-Hillard, Google, McDonald’s, PepsiCo, Sesame Workshop, Siegal+Gale, Skadden Arps, Studio One, TBWA, Time Warner, Toyota, Weber Shandwick, and others. For more information on BDA visit www.businessfordiplomaticaction.org.
