Get Ready: Global Entrepreneurship Week Charlotte is Nov. 16-22

Published on November 06, 2026

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Charlotte will celebrate its growing entrepreneurial community with a week of events connecting entrepreneurs, small business owners and innovators to the resources and relationships they need to succeed.

In recognition of the city's growing innovation economy, Mayor Rob Harrington has officially proclaimed Nov. 16-22 Global Entrepreneurship Week Charlotte.

Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrates Charlotte's entrepreneurial spirit and the power of collaboration in shaping our city's future, Harrington said. There's a reason Charlotte ranks as one of the top cities in the U.S. to start a business. Whether you’re launching a startup or exploring entrepreneurship, there are opportunities for everyone to plug in and be part of the success stories happening here in Charlotte.

That momentum is reflected in a recent LendingTree study, which ranked Charlotte as No. 4 among the nation's top boomtowns for moving, building and starting businesses.

Part of a global movement celebrated in over 200 countries, GEW Charlotte connects local founders, creators and innovators with the resources and relationships they need to thrive.

Charlotte Economic Development, which organizes the event, is working in collaboration with local nonprofits, educational institutions, tech leaders and startup support organizations to bring nearly 20 workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions throughout the week. This year's theme is Innovation Starts Here.

Events include:

  • The GEW Charlotte Networking Celebration, the official event kickoff, on Monday, Nov. 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Market at 7th Street.
  • AI for Business Growth Workshop, presented in partnership with the AI Business & Career Lab, on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m.-noon, at Prospera, 4938 Central Ave., Charlotte.
  • Built to Last: A Road to Resilience, a candid conversation with local small business owners moderated by Vanessa Mathews, founder of Asfalis Advisors, on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 9-10 a.m. at Do Greater Sparkhouse Uptown.

This marks Charlotte’s sixth year participating in Global Entrepreneurship Week. In 2025, GEW Charlotte ranked among the top 10 most engaged cities in the United States.

View the full schedule and register for events at the city’s Global Entrepreneurship Week webpage.

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