Kauffman Foundation Announces Global Initiative to Help Nations Grow Their Economies

KANSAS CITY, MO--(Korea Newswire)--The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation today announced it is taking applications for a new initiative, the Kauffman Global Partners Network, which is aimed at helping countries around the world increase the kind of startup activity that leads to economic growth.

Country partners in the Network, which are selected through an application process based on ability to meet program criteria, will be supported through Kauffman Foundation research, have access to the Foundation's U.S. and global networks and programs, and assume leadership by implementing their own entrepreneurship initiatives. Country partners can be institutions or individuals in the public or private sector, including government entities, accelerators, philanthropists and/or foundations, entrepreneur support organizations, for-profit firms, etc.

“The Kauffman Global Partners Network will catalyze private and public sector resources around the world to support entrepreneurs and foster economic growth within partner countries, ultimately reducing poverty and expanding human welfare and prosperity,” said Carl J. Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation.

Partners will work with the Kauffman Foundation to develop and implement programs to attract and support entrepreneurs and their ventures, such as:

· Accelerators, incubators, and other programs that offer mentorship, education and validation of ideas
· Systems to provide access to markets and financial and human capital
· Support structures for foreign and local entrepreneurs working in partner countries
· Programs to allow entrepreneurs to travel within the network

The Foundation expects that the research it conducts with country partners will yield comprehensive, cutting-edge data and analysis of how entrepreneurs within the Network operate, and how their startups are born, grow, succeed and fail. This research will make an invaluable contribution to the understanding of firm growth and economic expansion around the world.

To qualify for membership in the Kauffman Global Partners Network, applicants must be able to:

· secure funding from private or public sources to implement programs to foster global startups in their countries;
· provide visas to visiting or resident entrepreneurs; and
· provide a secure environment supportive of economic growth and prosperity.

For more information and to apply, visit www.kauffman.org/kgpn. Applications are due December 5, 2011.

About the Kauffman Foundation

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works with partners to advance entrepreneurship in America and improve the education of children and youth. Founded by late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman, the Foundation is based in Kansas City, Mo. For more information, visit www.kauffman.org, and follow the Foundation on www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn.

Website: http://www.kauffman.org

This is a news release distributed by Korea Newswire on behalf of this company.