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Gradient Opens Its Doors for Global Entrepreneurship Week

Tulsa, Oklahoma is set to buzz with entrepreneurial energy as Gradient prepares to host its much-anticipated events during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) from November 16 to 20, 2026. Recognized by the International Business Innovation Association (INBIA) as the world's leading Global Entrepreneur Support Organization, Gradient aims to create an inclusive space where individuals from all backgrounds can connect, learn, and innovate.

Over five enriching days, Gradient will offer more than 20 free sessions designed to foster a spirit of creativity and collaboration among founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and investors. People are invited to explore a wide range of topics, share their insights, and engage with various experts throughout the week. As Gradient's President and CEO Devon Laney stated, "Every big idea starts somewhere, and you don't have to figure it out alone." This initiative is a call to action for anyone with a passion or idea to take part.

Registration for the event is now open at joingradient.com/gew. Participants can look forward to an action-packed schedule that highlights some of the most pressing themes in entrepreneurship today. Key Events Include:

Monday, November 16

• - Opening Breakfast: Kick off GEW at 8:30 a.m. with an inspiring proclamation from Mayor Monroe Nichols.
• - Sessions: Topics on entrepreneurship in education by STARTedUP Foundation's Don Wettrick and insights into business finance, local pitches, and the CO.STARTERS Intro to Entrepreneurship program.

Tuesday, November 17

• - Open House Day: Experience Gradient’s entire space with classes focused on design, Canva tools, and insights from Bank of Oklahoma on small business banking.
• - Special Features: A session titled "Meet the Incubator" showcasing support systems for budding startups.

Wednesday, November 18

• - Wellness & Media Focus: Start the morning with yoga followed by discussions on the future of media with notable speakers, including Hunter Harris, Doug Mitchell, and Ziva Branstetter. There will also be a segment on building a film industry in Tulsa.
• - Intellectual Property: Learn from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office about protecting ideas and innovations.
• - Town Hall: Engage with local representatives in the Tulsa Entrepreneurship Town Hall.

Friday, November 20

• - Conclude the week with a celebratory evening event on the Garden Deck, marking Gradient’s tenth anniversary.

This week of empowerment and connection is all set to draw over 1,000 attendees and is sponsored by tech giant Microsoft. It serves as a fantastic platform to cultivate engagement and discussion within the business community. As Laney highlighted, "Great entrepreneurial communities are built by the people who show up, share ideas, and take action. GEW is not just a series of events; it's an opportunity to harness the collective wisdom and creativity of Tulsa’s entrepreneurial spirit."

Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrated in about 200 countries and has a strong theme this year: "Entrepreneurs Thrive Here." It aims to illuminate the journeys of budding entrepreneurs, especially those overcoming various barriers to entry into the startup world. With approximately 10 million people participating globally, GEW is well-recognized in fostering discussions and activities that inspire action.

Gradient itself has become a renowned hub for innovation, ranking as the sixth-largest tech and innovation center in the United States. Since 2021, Gradient has reported an astonishing $1.76 billion in regional economic impact, marking a decade of progress.

Through this initiative, Gradient is inviting the community to harness its entrepreneurial potential and explore endless opportunities in innovation, creating a future ripe with possibilities. For more information and to access the full schedule of events, visit joingradient.com.