Commerce Offers Opportunity to Attend 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress

Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson today announced applications are being accepted to attend the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) on June 2-5 in Indianapolis. Small business owners, entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), ecosystem builders and university partners are encouraged to apply. Applicants selected will become part of the 40-member Kansas delegation attending the event.

Hosted in a different rising entrepreneurial city each year, the GEC is the world’s largest gathering of entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders — uniting thousands of founders, policymakers, investors, researchers and ecosystem builders from more than 200 countries. Over the four-day program, delegates engage in high-impact sessions that challenge outdated approaches, share breakthrough ideas, and form new collaborations across sectors and geographies.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Kansas communities, and this delegation ensures their voices are part of the global conversation,” Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “By connecting Kansas entrepreneurs with world-class ideas and international partners, we’re helping them bring innovation home — and strengthening our state’s economy from the ground up.”

The state’s delegates will participate in exclusive networking opportunities, high-impact learning sessions, and direct engagement with international investors and policy leaders.

To ensure financial barriers do not prevent a small business from participating in this opportunity, 20 scholarships of $1,500 each are available to eligible delegates to help cover airfare, hotel, and meal expenses. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet the criteria outlined in the application.

Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. For additional information or to apply, click here.