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The Insider: Celebrating Entrepreneurs: Global Entrepreneurship Week Comes to Philadelphia

With the goal to inspire people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity, Global Entrepreneurship Week encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to think big, to turn their ideas into reality, and to make their mark. From November 17-23, 2008, millions of people around the world will join a growing movement to generate new ideas and to seek better ways of doing things. Thousands of entrepreneurial activities are being planned in more than 75 countries around the world.

And much of the action is taking place in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has a long tradition of being a nurturing home to entrepreneurs starting with Ben Franklin, the first and most famous entrepreneur in the U.S. Today, Philadelphia is home to successful start-up businesses, growing companies, colleges and universities that educate budding entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who fund start-up companies. In addition, organizations such as Innovation Philadelphia, the Ben Franklin Technology Center, and the Science Center provide resources and expertise to entrepreneurs, which in turn grows the economy and creates jobs in the Philadelphia Region.

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Innovation Spotlight: Committed to a Green Economy

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Innovation Philadelphia spotlights regional creative industry entrepreneurs and young professionals making an impact on the Philadelphia Region, or innovative initiatives that showcase the tremendous innovative and creative talent driving Philadelphia's economy.

November's spotlight is local entrepreneur Todd Baylson. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Todd is an environmentalist and urban planner that recently started his own business in August 2008. His new company, The Green Perspective, offers green gift baskets that include items such as bamboo cutting boards, locally produced soap made from natural ingredients and compact fluorescent light (CFLs) bulbs. Baskets also educate recipients about different aspects of the green scene so they can help make a difference to create a more sustainable future.

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Innovation Philadelphia Hosts Creative Entrepreneur Expo at Official Closing Reception of DesignPhiladelphia 2008

On Wednesday, October 22, 2008, Innovation Philadelphia hosted the Creative Entrepreneur Expo in conjunction with the Official Closing Reception of DesignPhiladelphia 2008 at the AIA Center for Architecture in Philadelphia. Freelance and entrepreneurial web, industrial, graphic and interior designers showcased their portfolios to approximately 200 professionals in attendance. The purpose of this event was to creative business opportunities for local design entrepreneurs.

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, a staunch advocate for the City's creative economy, spoke to attendees about the importance of the for-profit, creative economy in the Philadelphia Region and her commitment to bring the services needed to help grown this industry.

Design freelancers and entrepreneurs displayed their portfolios for attendees to view. "This was a great experience for me, both from a networking standpoint and from an inspirational standpoint," said JoAnn Moy, Founder of design company Spring Mountain Studio. "It was wonderful to see all the amazing talent out there, and gave me hope that my own small business can grow."

>> Learn more and view photos from the event.

In the News

>> Minority outreach on the rise

>> Study advises businesses to foster innovation, risk taking

>> Pa. renews Green Building Alliance funding

Calling All Experienced Entrepreneurs!

Are you an experienced entrepreneur from the Philadelphia Region that has weathered the challenges of tough economic times?

Innovation Philadelphia wants to speak to you about your experiences and learn how you navigated and sustained your business through tough economic times. Innovation Philadelphia will be holding a panel in December, featuring these experienced entrepreneurs in the region, who will give advice to the other entrepreneurs currently experiencing these challenges.

Contact Nicole Kenney at nkenney@innovationphiladelphia.com if you are interested in participating in the panel.

Register today for the 2008 MAC Conference

The Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference is the premier venture gathering in the mid-Atlantic region offering unparalleled speakers, panels, presentations, networking and visibility opportunities to attendees and sponsors. As the oldest, most established venture conference in the Northeast, the MAC Conference regularly draws more than 1,100 participants and has been the catalyst for billions of dollars in venture funding and entrepreneurial success in the region.

This year's conference is being held on December 2 and 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The MAC Alliance is offering a special $200 registration rate for the full MAC Conference to the first 200 qualified entrepreneurs.

>> Register today

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