Global Entrepreneurship Week debuted in Sacramento on Monday. Former Kings player Bobby Jackson was among nearly 50 entrepreneurs at ARCO Arena for "Mentoring Equals Millions," featuring a panel of owners of multimillion-dollar businesses each telling how a mentor helped him reach success.

After the event, speakers and GEW organizers gathered at Capsity Offices, 2957 3rd Ave., for a networking lunch.

GEW will feature 10 more speakers in Sacramento throughout the week, said Ricardo Robles, Capsity Offices co-founder, and regional coordinator for GEW. Robles also mentioned that more than 87 countries around the world will participate in the event, which was begun last year by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Make Your Mark, an organization based in the United Kingdom.

Robles added that GEW provides an opportunity for Sacramentans to meet other entrepreneurs.

"Lots of people were engaged and it set the tone for the rest of the week," he said. "It's the perfect place for GEW because there's a lot of talent (in Sacramento) that can help the economy."

One of Monday's speakers, Bert Gervais, talked about his experiences creating www.Placefinder.com, which helps college students find housing. The 24-year-old also spoke of his book, Who's in your Top Hive: How To Find Your Success Mentors, and his plans to create a "Success Mentor Education" program.

"It was a very positive and engaged audience," Gervais said. The New York resident just completed a monthlong speaking engagement called the Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour at a number of California city colleges. "It is awesome how authentic people are here; people have a purpose."

Local entrepreneur Kristene Smith came to the GEW gathering at Capsity to network and display her eco-clothing and home fashion line made out of bamboo fibers. The Kristene Smith Collection can be purchased at the Britt Steele fashion boutique.

"A lot of (entrepreneurs) are isolated and it's great for us to get together and listen to someone who's insightful," Smith said.

Tim White, president of www.Sacmix.com, a resource for food and drink specials in Sacramento, helped provide food for the event. White, who said he wanted to present a sampler of "Sacramento's best" food, had dishes by Tres Hermanas, Roxy Restaurant, Pete's Pizza, Sapporo and Beach Hut Deli on hand.

"I'm excited to meet other entrepreneurs," he said, adding that he would be attending several of the week's events. "In this economy, owners have to be dedicated, (because) only amazing businesses will thrive."

Here is the schedule for the rest of the week:

The "G" in Entrepreneurship
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 - 8 p.m.
West Sacramento City Hall, 1110 West Capitol Ave.

Speakers:
Chris Schuring (COO, Ternion Bio Industries)
Ingrid Rosten (Executive Director, SARTA CleanStart)
Phil Tretheway, (Senior Designer, Marketing By Design)

Being a Woman Entrepreneur
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 - 8 p.m.
Sacramento City Hall, 915 I St.

Speakers:
Sharon Gerber (President, Six Degreez, Inc)
Griselda Barajas-Keolani (CEO, Griselda’s Ventures)
Patricia Hudak (Founder and CEO, Real World 101)
Kathy McKim (Vice President, External Affairs, AT&T)

A Night with Chip Conley (sold out, wait list accessible here)
Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 - 8 p.m.
The Citizen Hotel, 926 J St.

Speaker:
Chip Conley (Founder and CEO, Joie de Vivre Hospitality Company)

Entrepreneurship in Art and Music Industries
Friday, Nov. 20, 6 - 8 p.m.
The Verge Gallery, 1900 V St.

Speakers:
Laurie Pederson (Project Manager, Nehst Studios; and Executive Director, Capital Film Arts Alliance)
Beth Jones (Founder, Jay Jay Gallery)
William Bronston, M.D. (Founder and CEO, Tower of Youth)

Tickets can be purchased here. $15 students, $25 general admission, except for Thursday's event, which costs $75. View images 5 - 9 for additional free GEW events.