(Washington, D.C.) – Georgetown University’s Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI) and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) partnered to host Venture DC: Engaging Diverse Changemakers, a collaborative event held Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1st with the purpose of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the nation’s capital.
With the two day event, held at the RISE Demonstration Center in Ward 8, DC leaders encouraged and empowered emerging entrepreneurs in the District to investigate ways to use technology and innovation to solve some of DC’s most pressing challenges related to health care, education, housing, economic security, and access to financial services, specifically in Wards 7 and 8.
“Venture DC brought together some of the most creative trailblazers in government and enterprise to showcase innovations happening right here in the District of Columbia,” said Courtney R. Snowden, Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity. “Georgetown University’s Global Social Enterprise Initiative is a leader in turning challenges into opportunities. And DSLBD is hyper focused on creating pathways to the middle class by supporting the creation and growth of small businesses here in the District. I’m incredibly excited about the partnership between these organizations that are driving the conversation on innovation and entrepreneurship.”
“DSLBD‘s recent initiatives have placed priority on finding innovative ways to provide small businesses across the District with the right resources and unique partnerships to help them thrive. The Venture DC event continues this goal of growth through innovation,” said Ana Harvey, Director of DSLBD.
Venture DC provided critical resources including instructive panels, skills workshops, networking, and the opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs in the social sector – youth and adults – to present and secure funding through separate pitch competitions. Through such programs, DC officials and Venture DC leaders hope to further an equality of opportunity aimed at bridging the literal and figurative innovation divide in the city.
About Global Social Enterprise Initiative at Georgetown University (GSEI)
GSEI at the McDonough School of Business aims to prepare current and future leaders to make responsible cross-sector management decisions within corporations, non-profit organizations, government, and civil society to drive long-term social and economic change for the greater good.
About the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD)
DSLBD fosters the economic growth, development, and retention of District of Columbia based businesses, and promotes economic development throughout the District’s commercial corridors. For more information, go to dslbd.dc.gov or contact us at [email protected]. Follow DSLBD on Twitter at @SmallBizDC, or like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/smallbizdc.
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