Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), a series of business-themed events taking place across the world, kicked off today with the intention of empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs.

The event takes in 140 countries and 30,000 events run by 25,000 different organisations, ranging from school to multi-national blue chips. It is estimated that 300,000 people will be involved.

Supported by Barclays Bank and hosted in the UK by Youth Business International (YBI), It will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with building a global business.

Highlights of the week include the Get Connected launch event in London, Virgin StartUp Ignition’s Business Tricks and Insight for Amazing Women event in London, the Start Up Summit in Edinburgh, and The Enterprise Conference in Aberdeen.

YBI chief executive Andrew Devenport said: “Successful entrepreneurs need connections to get their businesses going, and that’s what Global Entrepreneurship Week aims to deliver.

“The campaign is a great way to celebrate innovators of all ages, show people all of the support that’s available to them, and connect up entrepreneurs with the backing that they need.”

Underlining the government’s support for the GEW, business secretary Vince Cable said: “Thousands of young people are now successfully putting their creativity, drive and aspiration into setting up their own business.

“Private sector growth has been key to our recovery and government has put in place a range of measures to enable young entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality.”