Dept. of Commerce: Secretary Leinenkugel seeks Wisconsin partners for National Entrepreneurship Week 2009

Contacts: Tony Hozeny

Madison – The third annual recognition of National Entrepreneurship Week (NEW) occurs February 21 through February 28, 2009. This week, sponsored by the National Consortium for Education Excellence, is a celebration of American entrepreneurs and the educational programs currently preparing youth to develop a passion toward entrepreneurship as a viable career option.

“Last year, organizations hosted events that celebrated the power of entrepreneurship throughout Wisconsin,” said Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Richard J. Leinenkugel. “Once again, we’d like to encourage state and local government, schools, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs and community leaders to observe the week by hosting events.”

The focus of this third year’s celebration includes the celebration of Wisconsin’s entrepreneurs and the lifelong learning educational opportunities that prepare the NEW business leaders of the future. National Entrepreneurship Week 2009 provides an opportunity to focus on the innovative ways in which entrepreneurship education can bring together the core academic, technical, and problem solving skills essential for future entrepreneurs.

Organizations will find resources to support their event and program planning on the National Consortium for Education Excellence web site at http://www.nationaleweek.org/. Commerce will also highlight the events and activities that organizations will host on the Commerce web site during the week (February 21 – 28, 2009) providing heightened exposure.

“With the theme New Ideas for a New Generation, organizations are encouraged to begin planning now. Joining in the recognition of National Entrepreneurship Week provides our leaders, educators and entrepreneurs from every walk of life with an opportunity to once again celebrate Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Secretary Leinenkugel.

For more information about National Entrepreneurship Week 2009, contact Carol Dunn, Women’s Business Ombudsman, at 608-267-0297 or carol.dunn@wisconsin.gov.