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Statement by the Press Secretary on A New Beginning: Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship
WHITEHOUSE.gov ^ | March 5, 2010 | n/a
Posted on March 5, 2010 9:47:38 PM PST by Cindy

Note: The following text is a quote:

www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/statement-press-secretary-a-new-beginning-presidential-summit-entrepreneurship

Home • Briefing Room • Statements & Releases

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release March 05, 2010

Statement by the Press Secretary on A New Beginning: Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship

President Obama, together with the Department of State and the Department of Commerce, will host the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., on April 26 and 27. Participants from over 40 countries on 5 continents have been invited to participate. The Summit will highlight the role entrepreneurship can play in addressing common challenges while building partnerships that will lead to greater opportunity abroad and at home.

At his June 4, 2009, speech in Cairo, President Obama announced that the U.S. Government would host a Summit on Entrepreneurship to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations, and entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

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White House Announces Global Technology and Innovation Fund
WHITEHOUSE.gov ^ | October 23, 2009 | n/a
Posted on October 24, 2009 2:45:50 AM PDT by Cindy

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THE BRIEFING ROOM

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary ___________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release October 23, 2009

White House Announces Global Technology and Innovation Fund

During his speech in Cairo on June 4, the President announced that the United States would “launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries.” As the latest step in delivering on this commitment, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation announced this week a call for proposals for a Global Technology and Innovation Fund. This fund will help catalyze and facilitate private sector investments that promote access to and growth of technology in OPIC-eligible countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. OPIC will provide financing ranging between $25 million and $150 million in total capital for each selected fund.

The Global Technology and Innovation Fund is part of an on-going U.S. government effort to expand partnerships that advance economic opportunity and job creation - including in Muslim-majority countries. Specifically, the sectors of interest for prospective funds may address issues that can have a transformational impact in these regions such as technology, education, telecom, media, business services and financial technology and clean-tech.

More information is available at: http://www.opic.gov/investment-funds/calls-for-proposals/global-technology-innovation-fund/.

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Remarks by the President at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship
Whitehouse.gov ^ | April 26, 2010 | n/a
Posted on April 29, 2010 1:34:46 AM PDT by Cindy

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www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-presidential-summit-entrepreneurship

Home • Briefing Room • Speeches & Remarks

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release April 26, 2010

Remarks by the President at the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Washington, D.C.

6:05 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Everybody, please have a seat. Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Washington.

In my life, and as President, I have had the great pleasure of visiting many of your countries, and I’ve always been grateful for the warmth and the hospitality that you and your fellow citizens have shown me. And tonight, I appreciate the opportunity to return the hospitality.

For many of you, I know this is the first time visiting our country. So let me say, on behalf of the American people, welcome to the United States of America. (Applause.)

It is an extraordinary privilege to welcome you to this Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship. This has been a coordinated effort across my administration, and I want to thank all the hardworking folks and leaders at all the departments and agencies who made it possible, and who are here tonight.

That includes our United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Ron Kirk. Where’s Ron? There he is. (Applause.) I especially want to thank the two departments and leaders who took the lead on this summit — Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Please give them a big round of applause. (Applause.)

We’re joined by members of Congress who work every day to help their constituents realize the American Dream, and whose life stories reflect the diversity and equal opportunity that we cherish as Americans: Nydia Velazquez, who is also, by the way, the chairwoman of our Small Business Committee in the House of Representatives. (Applause.) Keith Ellison is here. (Applause.) And Andre Carson is here. (Applause.)

Most of all, I want to thank all of you for being part of this historic event. You’ve traveled from across the United States and nearly 60 countries, from Latin America to Africa, Europe to Central Asia, from the Middle East to Southeast Asia.

And you bring with you the rich tapestry of the world’s great traditions and great cultures. You carry within you the beauty of different colors and creeds, races and religions. You’re visionaries who pioneered new industries and young entrepreneurs looking to build a business or a community.

But we’ve come together today because of what we share — a belief that we are all bound together by certain common aspirations. To live with dignity. To get an education. To live healthy lives. Maybe to start a business, without having to pay a bribe to anybody. To speak freely and have a say in how we are governed. To live in peace and security and to give our children a better future.

But we’re also here because we know that over the years, despite all we have in common, the United States and Muslim communities around the world too often fell victim to mutual mistrust.

And that’s why I went to Cairo nearly one year ago and called for a new beginning between the United States and Muslim communities — a new beginning based on mutual interest and mutual respect. I knew that this vision would not be fulfilled in a single year, or even several years. But I knew we had to begin and that all of us have responsibilities to fulfill.

As President, I’ve worked to ensure that America once again meets its responsibilities, especially when it comes to the security and political issues that have often been a source of tension. The United States is responsibly ending the war in Iraq, and we will partner with Iraqi people for their long-term prosperity and security. In Afghanistan, in Pakistan and beyond, we’re forging new partnerships to isolate violent extremists, but also to combat corruption and foster the development that improves lives and communities.

I say it again tonight: Despite the inevitable difficulties, so long as I am President, the United States will never waver in our pursuit of a two-state solution that ensures the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians. (Applause.) And around the world, the United States of America will continue to stand with those who seek justice and progress and the human rights and dignity of all people.

But even as I committed the United States to addressing these security and political concerns, I also made it clear in Cairo that we needed something else — a sustained effort to listen to each other and to learn from each other, to respect one another. And I pledged to forge a new partnership, not simply between governments, but also between people on the issues that matter most in their daily lives — in your lives.

Now, many questioned whether this was possible. Yet over the past year, the United States has been reaching out and listening. We’ve joined interfaith dialogues and held town halls, roundtables and listening sessions with thousands of people around the world, including many of you. And like so many people, you’ve extended your hand in return, each in your own way, as entrepreneurs and educators, as leaders of faith and of science.

I have to say, perhaps the most innovative response was from Dr. Naif al-Mutawa of Kuwait, who joins us here tonight. Where is Dr. Mutawa? (Applause.) His comic books have captured the imagination of so many young people with superheroes who embody the teachings and tolerance of Islam. After my speech in Cairo, he had a similar idea. So in his comic books, Superman and Batman reached out to their Muslim counterparts. (Laughter.) And I hear they’re making progress, too. (Laughter.) Absolutely. (Applause.)

By listening to each other we’ve been able to partner with each other. We’ve expanded educational exchanges, because knowledge is the currency of the 21st century. Our distinguished science envoys have been visiting several of your countries, exploring ways to increase collaboration on science and technology.

We’re advancing global health, including our partnership with the Organization of the Islamic Conference, to eradicate polio. This is just one part of our broader engagement with the OIC, led by my Special Envoy, Rashad Hussain, who joins us here tonight. Where’s Rashad? (Applause.)

And we’re partnering to expand economic prosperity. At a government level, I’d note that putting the G20 in the lead on global economic decision-making has brought more voices to the table — including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, India and Indonesia. And here today, we’re fulfilling my commitment in Cairo to deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

Now, I know some have asked — given all the security and political and social challenges we face, why a summit on entrepreneurship? The answer is simple.

Entrepreneurship — because you told us that this was an area where we can learn from each other; where America can share our experience as a society that empowers the inventor and the innovator; where men and women can take a chance on a dream — taking an idea that starts around a kitchen table or in a garage, and turning it into a new business and even new industries that can change the world.

Entrepreneurship — because throughout history, the market has been the most powerful force the world has ever known for creating opportunity and lifting people out of poverty.

Entrepreneurship — because it’s in our mutual economic interest. Trade between the United States and Muslim-majority countries has grown. But all this trade, combined, is still only about the same as our trade with one country — Mexico. So there’s so much more we can do together, in partnership, to foster opportunity and prosperity in all our countries.

And social entrepreneurship — because, as I learned as a community organizer in Chicago, real change comes from the bottom up, from the grassroots, starting with the dreams and passions of single individuals serving their communities.

And that’s why we’re here. We have Jerry Yang, who transformed how we communicate, with Yahoo. Is Jerry here? Where is he? He’ll be here tomorrow. As well as entrepreneurs who have opened cybercafés and new forums on the Internet for discussion and development. Together, you can unleash the technologies that will help shape the 21st century.

We have successes like Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, who I met earlier, who built a telecommunications empire that empowered people across Africa. And we have aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their businesses and hire new workers. Together you can address the challenges of accessing capital. We have trailblazers like Sheikha Hanadi of Qatar, along with Waed al Taweel, who I met earlier — a 20-year-old student from the West Bank who wants to build recreation centers for Palestinian youth. So together, they represent the incredible talents of women entrepreneurs and remind us that countries that educate and empower women are countries that are far more likely to prosper. I believe that. (Applause.)

We have pioneers like Chris Hughes, who created Facebook, as well as an online community that brought so many young people into my campaign for President — MyBarackObama.com. (Laughter.) We have people like Soraya Salti of Jordan who are empowering the young men and women who will be leaders of tomorrow. (Applause.) Together, they represent the great potential and expectations of young people around the world.

And we’ve got social entrepreneurs like Tri Mumpuni, who has helped rural communities in Indonesia — (applause) — harness the electricity, and revenues, of hydro-power. And Andeisha Farid, an extraordinary woman from Afghanistan, who’s taken great risks to educate the next generation, one girl at a time. (Applause.) Together, they point the way to a future where progress is shared and prosperity is sustainable.

And I also happened to notice Dr. Yunus — it’s wonderful to see you again. I think so many people know the history of Grameen Bank and all the great work that’s been done to help finance entrepreneurship among the poorest of the poor, first throughout South Asia, and now around the world.

So this is the incredible potential that you represent; the future we can seize together. So tonight I’m proud to announce a series of new partnerships and initiatives that will do just that.

The United States is launching several new exchange programs. We will bring business and social entrepreneurs from Muslim-majority countries to the United States and send their American counterparts to learn from your countries. (Applause.) So women in technology fields will have the opportunity to come to the United States for internships and professional development. And since innovation is central to entrepreneurship, we’re creating new exchanges for science teachers.

We’re forging new partnerships in which high-tech leaders from Silicon Valley will share their expertise — in venture capital, mentorship, and technology incubators — with partners in the Middle East and in Turkey and in Southeast Asia.

And tonight, I can report that the Global Technology and Innovation Fund that I announced in Cairo will potentially mobilize more than $2 billion in investments. This is private capital, and it will unlock new opportunities for people across our countries in sectors like telecommunications, health care, education, and infrastructure.

And finally, I’m proud that we’re creating here at this summit not only these programs that I’ve just mentioned, but it’s not going to stop here. Together, we’ve sparked a new era of entrepreneurship — with events all over Washington this week, and upcoming regional conferences around the world.

Tonight, I am pleased to announce that Prime Minister Erdogan has agreed to host the next Entrepreneurship Summit next year in Turkey. (Applause.) And so I thank the Prime Minister and the people and private sector leaders of Turkey for helping to sustain the momentum that we will unleash this week.

So as I said, there are those who questioned whether we could forge these new beginnings. And given the magnitude of the challenges we face in the world — and let’s face it, a lot of the bad news that comes through the television each and every day — sometimes it can be tempting to believe that the goodwill and good works of ordinary people are simply insufficient to the task at hand. But to any who still doubt whether partnerships between people can remake our world, I say look at the men and women who are here today.

Look at the professor who came up with an idea — micro-finance — that empowered the rural poor across his country, especially women and children. That’s the powerful example of Dr. Yunus.

Look what happened when Muhammad shared his idea with a woman from Pakistan, who has since lifted hundreds of thousands of families and children out of poverty through a foundation whose name literally means “miracle.” That’s the example of Roshaneh Zafar. (Applause.)

Look what happened when that idea spread across the world — including to people like my own mother, who worked with the rural poor from Pakistan to Indonesia. That simple idea, began with a single person, has now transformed the lives of millions. That’s the spirit of entrepreneurship.

So, yes, the new beginning we seek is not only possible, it has already begun. It exists within each of you, and millions around the world who believe, like we do, that the future belongs not to those who would divide us, but to those who come together; not to those who would destroy, but those who would build; not those trapped in the past, but those who, like us, believe with confidence and conviction in a future of justice and progress and the dignity of all human beings regardless of their race, regardless of their religion.

That’s the enormous potential that we’re hoping to unlock during this conference and hoping to continue not only this week but in the months and years ahead. So I’m grateful that all of you are participating. May God bless you all and may God’s peace be upon you. Thank you very much. Thank you. (Applause.)

END 6:22 P.M. EDT

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Note: The following text is a quote:

www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/fact_sheet_entrepreneurship_summit_deliverables.pdf

FACT SHEET: A NEW BEGINNING — THE PRESIDENTIAL SUMMIT ON
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship (April 26-27, 2010) will highlight the important
roles that entrepreneurship can play in expanding opportunity at home and abroad, while
deepening engagement among the United States and Muslim communities around the world. It
will bring together approximately 250 successful entrepreneurs from more than fifty countries;
identify ways to advance economic and social entrepreneurship; build networks among
stakeholders in entrepreneurship; and, provide an opportunity to establish partnerships that
advance entrepreneurship.
The United States is committed to working with entrepreneurs around the world, including those
in Muslim-majority countries and Muslim communities. In addition to partnering with other
governments and multilateral organizations, promoting entrepreneurship will require new public-
private partnerships. At the Summit on Entrepreneurship, the U.S. Government is pleased to
highlight a number of selected programs and partnerships that will help expand mutual
understanding and mutual opportunity. Further details regarding these programs and
partnerships will be provided by the lead Department or agency supporting them:

EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Entrepreneurs for a New Beginning
Entrepreneurs for a New Beginning is a new two-way professional exchange program for rising
business and social entrepreneurs. The Department of State is forging relationships to offer
participants educational seminars, mentorship, and first-hand experience in the business place
with American entrepreneurs. The program will connect participants with outbound American
entrepreneurs and will examine strategies used in the United States to enhance the capacities of
young business managers, to develop a spirit of entrepreneurship and small business enterprise,
and to strengthen societies through the pursuit of social entrepreneurship. This program will
bring 100 entrepreneurs to the U.S. over the next 4 years and will also work with private sector
partners to send 100 American entrepreneurs abroad over the next four years. More information
can be obtained from the Department of State.

Science and Technology Education Exchanges
During his speech in Cairo, the President said that “education and innovation will be the
currency of the 21st century.” This new science and technology exchange program will bring 25
science teachers from Muslim-majority countries and communities to examine effective methods
of teaching science at the primary and secondary school levels. The program will explore how to
nurture and support hands-on science education, how to demonstrate the relevance of science for
children, and how to create a setting in which children actively engage in scientific learning. In
addition, the participants will observe extracurricular science camps and science fair educational
programs that emphasize experiential learning.

A new effort led by the Department of State in partnership with the Department of Commerce,
USAID, OPIC, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Global Entrepreneurship
Program will coordinate, integrate, and leverage existing U.S. Government and private sector
resources, partnerships, and programs to support six methods of supporting entrepreneurs:
Identify, Train, Connect, Guide to funding, Sustain, and Celebrate. The proposed program has
twelve focus countries throughout the world, including seven Muslim-majority countries. The
Department of State and USAID have launched the first pilot program in Egypt and will soon
launch the second in Indonesia.

FINANCING FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION

Global Technology and Innovation Fund
In response to President Obama’s Cairo speech last June, the Overseas Private Investment
Corporation (OPIC) launched the global technology and innovation call for privately managed
investment funds in October 2009. The Funds will make investments in start up and growth
oriented companies in the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors. Some Funds will
utilize a “technology transfer” strategy by importing existing technology in developed countries
to increase innovation and efficiency in sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
In addition, the Funds will promote the economic and social development of the target countries.
With the private sector capital catalyzed by OPIC, these Funds will have the potential to
mobilize over $2 billion in private equity capital for Muslim-majority countries. All Funds
remain subject to review and approval of OPIC’s Board of Directors.

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS

Partners for a New Beginning
Partners for a New Beginning will be a group of eminent Americans from a variety of sectors –
corporate, philanthropic, education, non-profit, entertainment – who will leverage resources and
capabilities outside the U.S. Government to advance the vision for a new beginning with Muslim
communities around the world. Partners for a New Beginning will be an independent, self-
administered group that will operate in close coordination with the Department of State.

Expanding Ties With Silicon Valley
The Department of State will collaborate with partners in Silicon Valley to launch two of the first
Silicon Valley-based incubators and venture capital funds in the Middle East, Turkey, and
Southeast Asia. Both efforts will provide venture capital, Silicon Valley mentorship, technology
and connectivity to emerging entrepreneurs in 5 locations – Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, and
Malaysia. In addition to helping provide technological and financial expertise and access to
capital and other services, these two efforts will help to build ties between business and
educational communities in the United States and those in the countries in which it operates.

SUSTAINING A FOCUS ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Summit on Entrepreneurship has helped catalyze conversations about entrepreneurship
around the world. In the days immediately after the Summit, there will be over thirty related but
independent events in the Washington, D.C. area. In months to come, several partners have
expressed interest in hosting follow-on conferences, and these will be held in places ranging
from Indonesia to Abu Dhabi, Iraq to Algeria, and France to Bahrain among others.
Additionally, Prime Minister Erdogan has agreed to host the next Entrepreneurship Summit in
Turkey in 2011.

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Professional Technical Exchanges for Women
TechWomen is a new professional mentorship program for women from eligible countries who
are working in the field of technology. Selected participants will travel to the United States in
the spring of 2011 to work with mid-level female employees in various companies in technology
hubs such as Silicon Valley. Upon the completion of their mentorships, select American
counterparts will travel to the participants’ home regions to offer skills development and
networking workshops for a broader range of women.

Young Entrepreneurs Program
Launched in September 2009, the Young Entrepreneurs Program is a professional exchange
program that promotes entrepreneurial thinking, job creation, business planning, and
management skills to assist young professionals. As part of the YEP, the Department of State
will launch a new initiative called Education to Employment Fellows. Beginning in 2009, this
initiative will bring at least thirty fellows from eligible countries to the United States for
internships that will aid their professional development.

DIRECT ASSISTANCE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

USAID’s Commitment to Support Entrepreneurship
USAID will support all stages of the entrepreneurship ecosystem by working with partners to
strengthen the business enabling environment, expand educational opportunities, facilitate
market opportunities and access to capital, and build connectedness and business support.
Specific efforts USAID plans to undertake include:
• Support business enabling environment reforms in 15 partner countries.
• Undertake surveys in five countries (Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Turkey, and Egypt)
and use their findings to work together with local private partners to promote supportive
environments to encourage economic growth.
• Provide open source web-and media-based entrepreneurship education targeted for
women, youth, and other underserved audiences on topics ranging from starting and
growing a business to the use of internet technologies.
• Support local educational programs to build capacity among business owners and their
employees.
• Facilitate entrepreneurs’ access to private sources of finance (e.g., microfinance
institutions, venture capital funds, commercial banks).
• Develop and expand business innovation centers.
• Develop partnerships to expand the number of companies and volunteers assisting
entrepreneurs in developing countries, thereby building partnerships between
entrepreneurs in the U.S. and abroad.

Small Business Administration Partnerships with Oman, Bahrain, Tunisia
SBA and the Department of State have entered into several agreements with Oman, Bahrain, and
Tunisia to assist women entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa. Through these
Memorandums of Understanding, SBA will provide guidance and assistance in developing and
implementing loan guarantee programs, government procurement policies, entrepreneurial
development programs and business centers, and support to strengthen women and small and
medium enterprises.

Global Entrepreneurship Program