National Entrepreneurship Month
November 1 - November 30
About National Entrepreneurship Month
National Entrepreneurship Month is observed every November in the United States, celebrating the vision, risk-taking, and innovation of entrepreneurs who drive economic growth and job creation. First proclaimed by President Obama in 2011, the month-long observance recognises the contributions of small business owners, startup founders, and innovators to communities across the country.
What is National Entrepreneurship Month?
National Entrepreneurship Month (NEM) is a November observance that honours entrepreneurs and the spirit of enterprise that fuels the American economy. The month highlights the challenges and triumphs of starting and running a business, while encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap. Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, and numerous business organisations, NEM features mentorship programmes, networking events, workshops, and policy discussions designed to make entrepreneurship more accessible. The month also encompasses National Entrepreneurs’ Day on the third Tuesday of November and Global Entrepreneurship Week.
When is National Entrepreneurship Month?
National Entrepreneurship Month runs from Sunday, 1 November to Monday, 30 November 2026. It is observed annually throughout November. Within the month, National Entrepreneurs’ Day falls on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, and Global Entrepreneurship Week runs from 16 to 22 November 2026.
Why National Entrepreneurship Month Matters
Small businesses account for 99.9% of all American businesses and employ nearly half of the private workforce, according to the SBA. Entrepreneurs create approximately two-thirds of net new jobs in the United States each year. Beyond employment figures, entrepreneurs drive innovation, introduce new products and services, and strengthen local economies. However, starting a business remains a significant risk: approximately 20% of new businesses fail within their first year, and roughly half do not survive beyond five years. National Entrepreneurship Month provides a platform to share resources, reduce barriers, and celebrate those who take the calculated risks that benefit entire communities.
How to Get Involved in National Entrepreneurship Month
Whether you are an established business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants to support local enterprise, there are many ways to participate:
- Shop local and support small businesses — Make a conscious effort throughout November to spend money at local, independent businesses in your community. This directly supports the entrepreneurs who invest in your neighbourhood and keep local economies thriving.
- Attend a workshop or webinar — The SBA, SCORE, and local chambers of commerce host free and low-cost events throughout November on topics ranging from business planning and financing to digital marketing and legal structures.
- Become a mentor — If you have business experience, consider volunteering as a mentor through organisations like SCORE, which connects experienced professionals with new entrepreneurs. Mentorship dramatically improves the survival rate of new businesses.
- Share your entrepreneurial journey — If you run a business, use November to share your story on social media or at local events. Honest accounts of both successes and setbacks inspire others and build a more realistic picture of entrepreneurship.
- Invest in a startup or small business — Explore platforms like Kiva, which offers microloans to entrepreneurs, or consider angel investing in early-stage companies. Financial support at critical stages can determine whether a promising idea becomes a sustainable business.
- Participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week — Hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network, GEW (16-22 November 2026) connects millions of participants across roughly 200 countries through local and virtual events celebrating innovation and inclusion in entrepreneurship.
- Review and recommend local businesses online — Positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and industry-specific platforms are enormously valuable to small businesses. Take a few minutes in November to leave thoughtful reviews for local entrepreneurs whose work you appreciate.
History of National Entrepreneurship Month
The origins of National Entrepreneurship Month trace back to a grassroots movement. In 2010, entrepreneurs David Hauser, Siamak Taghaddos (co-founders of Grasshopper, a virtual phone system company), and Amir Tehrani (co-founder of The Legacy Foundation) launched a petition to create a National Entrepreneur’s Day. Taghaddos found it remarkable that the United States, widely considered one of the most entrepreneurial countries in the world, did not have a dedicated day to recognise entrepreneurs. The petition gained significant traction, attracting support from business leaders and policymakers.
In 2011, President Barack Obama responded by proclaiming November as National Entrepreneurship Month. The presidential proclamation aimed to celebrate the success of entrepreneurs and innovators while also motivating the next generation of business creators. The following year, National Entrepreneurs’ Day was established as a specific day within the month, observed on the third Tuesday of November.
The observance dovetailed with Global Entrepreneurship Week, a pre-existing international initiative launched in 2008 by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Enterprise UK. GEW had already been building momentum worldwide, and its placement within November created a natural synergy with the new American observance. Today, National Entrepreneurship Month is supported by federal agencies, career development programmes, business incubators, and entrepreneurial communities across all 50 states.
Noteworthy Facts About Entrepreneurship
- There are over 33 million small businesses in the United States, employing approximately 61.7 million workers, nearly half of the entire private-sector workforce.
- Women-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurship in the US, with women now owning approximately 42% of all businesses, generating $2.7 trillion in revenue.
- The average cost to start a small business in the United States is approximately $30,000 to $40,000, though this varies enormously depending on the industry.
- Immigrant entrepreneurs founded or co-founded 55% of America’s billion-dollar startup companies, according to research by the National Foundation for American Policy.
- SCORE, a volunteer network of business mentors supported by the SBA, has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs since its founding in 1964.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Entrepreneurship Month?
National Entrepreneurship Month is a November observance in the United States that celebrates entrepreneurs, promotes small business development, and encourages innovation through mentorship, education, and community support.
When is National Entrepreneurship Month in 2026?
National Entrepreneurship Month runs throughout November 2026, from Sunday, 1 November to Monday, 30 November. National Entrepreneurs’ Day falls on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.
Who started National Entrepreneurship Month?
President Barack Obama proclaimed November as National Entrepreneurship Month in 2011, following a petition initiated by entrepreneurs David Hauser, Siamak Taghaddos, and Amir Tehrani in 2010.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Entrepreneurship Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #NationalEntrepreneurshipMonth and #NEM2026 on social media. Support local entrepreneurs and inspire the next generation of business creators.
Related Awareness Days
- National Entrepreneurs’ Day — Celebrated on the third Tuesday of November, this day specifically honours the individuals who create businesses and drive economic growth.
- Talk Money Week — Held in early November, this UK-based campaign encourages open conversations about money, finances, and financial wellbeing.
- International Accounting Day — Observed on 10 November, this day celebrates the accounting profession and the role financial professionals play in supporting businesses worldwide.
Links
- Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration website
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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