ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT

GIA is an advocate for supporting and connecting entrepreneurs globally, with a vision that evry entrepreneur is supported and embraced for the important role they play in society.  Entrepreneurs are critical contributors to every economy, moving new ideas and innovation forward, creating jobs, and driving economic growth in their communities.  

The various participating sectors are all valuable partners in creating positive change. Government enables resources to be deployed and provides support as possible. Academia provides the research and analysis of history, and an understanding of science and fact to turn to when data is needed. But activation often requires an entrepreneur with the ability to see many available solutions, pivot quickly when things don't work, and move past failure quickly to choose alternative trajectories. 

In order to really make an impact on the world’s biggest challenges, GIA’s mission is to ensure that entrepreneurs are connected and supported and have the resources they need. With GIA as your partner, no entrepreneur needs to feel alone in the journey, navigating the challenges of growth. 

EDUCATION 

GIA knows that many young people around the world are taught to conform, pushed to color inside the lines, reprimanded for thinking and behaving differently and confined to rigid or cultural norms.  We know that entrepreneurs are simply wired differently. We are committed to embracing, supporting, nurturing and encouraging young and early-stage entrepreneurs. 

We work to connect entrepreneurial youth, that exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset, with programs, mentors and peers to help grow their entrepreneurial skills and hone their unique abilities to make powerful, positive impacts on the world. 

GLOBAL TRADE CONNETIONs

In the interconnected, interdependent world in which we live, opening global markets expands growth opportunities and reduces risk of any singular market fluctuation.  It also improves relationships and grows opportunity for other SMEs and overall global economic stability.  As the common saying goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

GIA is an active supporter of global trade for entrepreneurs and Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (“SMEs”).  This is achieved through events designed to connect SMEs with trade resources and professionals, and through individual connections to the relationships needed for expansion around the world. 

CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING 

We realize that all business and forward progress is predicated on human relationships.  In the business world, our cultural awareness impacts our effectiveness and our ability to achieve our business objectives.

When dealing with global markets and supporting entrepreneurial communities globally, it is essential to acknowledge the ways in which our societies engage, and the ways conflict and misunderstandings emerge.  The world today, though on the surface more connected than ever, is often lacking in cross‐cultural empathy and understanding. We can improve this through the practice of listening to understand, and self-awareness of the preconceived biases we all face, about our nationality, our gender, and our religion.

Through our World Citizens Guide initiative, GIA is driving efforts to create a world where every person is invited to be globally aware, engaged and empowered – a world full of global citizens who come together, have an authentic conversation, and build mutual respect and understanding for one another. 

In the words of the World Citizens Guide: “Open hearts. Open mind. Open world.”