Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025
Global Entrepreneurship Week (external link, opens in new window) is a worldwide celebration of innovators, dreamers, and doers who dare to bring their ideas to life and make a lasting impact. Every November, millions of people from all backgrounds—students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and established startup founders—come together in one of the most significant events on the global entrepreneurial calendar. Now in its 18th year, GEW has grown into a massive movement, empowering individuals across nearly every nation to turn their ideas into reality.
Whether you're a student trying to activate your passion, or a startup founder looking to take your business to the next level, Global Entrepreneurship Week is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and explore new opportunities. Join us this November and become part of a global movement that empowers entrepreneurs to shape the future. Let's unleash creativity and discover new ways of doing things—for the benefit of all.
Theme: Together We Build
This year, we invite you to explore what’s possible when we come together to share ideas, support one another, and build something greater than we ever could alone.
Entrepreneurship isn’t a solo journey—it’s rooted in collaboration, connection, and community. Through workshops, competitions, and networking events, GEW 2025 will help you find your team, expand your network, and bring bold ideas to life alongside others who share your drive to make a difference. Because together, we don’t just build ventures—we build lasting impact.
What’s happening this week
Throughout GEW, Zone Learning will be hosting a variety of informative and engaging programming, both online and in-person. From November 17-21, join us at events that'll ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, and don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with a community of innovators and changemakers.
BVZ Women Who Build: Founder Funder Connect (external link)
Wednesday, November 12
Hosted by the Brampton Venture Zone
Connect with fellow women entrepreneurs, gain expert insights, and access the tools and inspiration you need to confidently grow your bold, world-changing business.
The Penny Appeal Canada Social Accelerator Fund Pitch Competition (external link)
Tuesday, November 18
Hosted by Zone Learning
Hear from six innovative social enterprises incubated across the Zone Learning network as they pitch for a chance at the $10,000 grand prize. Bring your resume to network.
Hack the World
Monday, November 3 - Thursday, November 20
Hosted by the Science Discovery Zone, Innovation Boost Zone, Clean Energy Zone, Biomedical Zone, Design Fabrication Zone, and Experience Ventures
A three-week hackathon that empowers the creation of real-world solutions to global challenges aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (external link) .
DMZ Masterclass: LinkedIn Branding & Founder-Led Sales (external link)
Tuesday, November 18
Hosted by the DMZ
Level up your LinkedIn game and learn the art of founder-led sales in a Mastrerclass workshop at the DMZ Sandbox!
(google form) Fundamentals of Merchandise Planning (external link)
Tuesday, November 18
Hosted by the Fashion Zone
A one-hour workshop designed to give participants a taste of the strategies and innovations that are driving today's retail industry.
(google form) Essentials of Retail Strategy (external link)
Wednesday, November 19
Hosted by the Fashion Zone
Learn how to how to align financial goals with your merchandise strategy and discover ways to spark profitable growth.
Breaking Barriers to Effective Leadership (Workshop) (external link)
Wednesday, November 19
Hosted by the Social Ventures Zone
This session will provide startups with an overview of Executive Coaching, the role it plays in accelerating leaders’ growth, and some of the most common inner barriers that startups / founders often encounter. Open to Zone Members only.
(google form) Introduction to Category Management (external link)
Thursday, November 20
Hosted by the Fashion Zone
Get acquainted with the strategies that ensure your products hit the mark with consumers.
Caffeinated Innovators
Friday, November 21
Hosted by the Social Ventures Zone
Join the SVZ for an impactful conversation on various topics related to entrepreneurship, social impact, and current events. Everyone is welcome!
Ready, Set, Quickathon! (external link)
Saturday, November 22 - Sunday, November 23
Hosted by the Innovation Boost Zone
This 2-day hackathon brings together participants from diverse backgrounds to team up and solve real-world challenges alongside the IBZ Design and Research teams.
Registration closed
Shop the SLC
Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28
Hosted by the SLC
Get ready to celebrate the coming winter season with TMU's largest vendor holiday market!
Reclaiming the Future: The Sustainable Chair Competition (external link)
Wednesday, November 26
Hosted by the Innovation Boost Zone
Participants will work in groups to transform discarded materials into functional, beautiful, one-of-a-kind chairs that reframe how we see consumption and design.
LIZ's January 2026 Incubator Cohort (external link)
The Legal Innovation Zone is now accepting applications for the first cohort of companies in January 2026. Apply by November 30.
Zone Learning Turns 15
2025 marks 15 years of Zone Learning—a decade and a half of fostering innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact. Since its inception, Zone Learning has empowered thousands of students, entrepreneurs, and community members to transform bold ideas into meaningful ventures.
Over the years, our vibrant network of Zones has become a launchpad for trailblazers across industries, driven by the dedication of our members, advisors, staff, and alumni. This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on our journey, recognize the individuals who have shaped our community, and look ahead to the future of experiential learning and entrepreneurship.
Meet our members
Zone Learning is the destination for innovation and entrepreneurship experiences at TMU. Our members have gone on to find great success – whether as entrepreneurs or as more talented and well-rounded professionals that utilize the skills gained in the Zone Learning ecosystem.
Below, you can hear first-hand accounts of the experiences of Zone members, many of which began their journey as students. You might be surprised to see who you find!
