State Department Offers New Beginning for Global Entrepreneurs

October 31, 2011

The U.S. State Department announced late last month that it has decided to bring back one if its more popular programs for international entrepreneurs.

President Barack Obama introduced the U.S. State Department's program, "A New Beginning: Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation," in April of last year with the intention of encouraging the development of small businesses around the world. The movement comes with a renewed emphasis on investment in local businesses to encourage economic growth, leading to programs such as micro-loans designed to help entrepreneurs get off the ground.

A New Beginning offers a unique experience for 30 entrepreneurs from 30 different countries around the world - from major economies like the United Kingdom, Singapore and Belgium to developing nations like Indonesia, Ethiopia and Argentina.

The group will spend three weeks touring the U.S. - from New York City to San Francisco - meeting with business leaders across the country. San Antonio Business Journal reports that the U.S. State Department chose the San Antonio Accelerator Program to lead the visitors' trip and introduce them to entrepreneurs with experience in the challenges they will face. The program is a part of the Entrepreneur's Organization, which includes 8,000 business owners from 40 countries representing companies worth an average of $17.3 million.

“There is no other place you can receive this caliber of information,” Brad Morrison, chairman of the Entrepreneur's Organization San Antonio Accelerator, told the Journal. “Unlike in some MBA programs, the mentors in this group have first-hand experience of the battles that all business owners face. This program is going to positively impact entrepreneurs on a global scale.”

Though A New Beginning is a recent addition to the U.S. State Department's repertoire of education programs, the International Visitor Leadership Program that is sponsoring the program is a longtime fixture of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with 70 years of experience in bringing together business and political leaders around the globe.

A way for young people to take part in a program like this on a smaller scale is through a cultural exchange organization. Offering intercultural volunteer, work and internship opportunities, they are an easy way to experience another country in a professional and cultural capacity. Whether taking part in a program like the one offered through the U.S. Department of State, or through a cultural exchange organization, the opportunity to interact with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders can provide a kind of experience that many people would not normally have access to.