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At the forefront of ingenuity exists imagination. By nurturing the skill of creative thinking, we gain the tools necessary to create our own success, expand the bounds of our minds, and challenge the limits of systems set in place before us. This tool of creativity is not limited to traditionally artistic fields but is at the disposal of all professionals who dare to invent and create.

When an entrepreneur imagines, they hold the key to building a business where workers thrive, fulfilling their greatest potential. However, a visionary entrepreneur doesn’t stop at dreaming big. Instead, they push forward to execute smart ideas and identify opportunities for growth and innovation. Thinking outside of the box means being able to see with clarity the possible evolution of a business into something that sparks positive change in our communities and inspiration in other people. In these ways, originality and resourcefulness are the fundamental building blocks of creation and, in embracing these elements intrinsic to invention, we can firmly seize our chance to sculpt the future of business.

As we enter a post COVID-19 society, we must ask ourselves: “What does it mean to be an entrepreneur in 2022? What does the future of business look like?” As entrepreneurs wielding the keys of imagination, we have the power to decide. Demands for social equity and responsibility have deeply affected the world as we know it, and the worldwide pandemic has shifted the ways in which we think, navigate, and internalize our everyday lives. From pivoting to working from home, to wearing masks and social distancing, our concept of the workplace and interpersonal relationships has been irrevocably altered. 

However, the pandemic has not left us powerless; the astute entrepreneur understands that now is the time to craft our new world with humanity and compassion. We need to reinvent and restructure the business world in a way that supports and empowers individual workers, as well as our communities as a whole. In this new, more inclusive society that we are building together, there are more doors leading to positive change available to us than ever before. With creative entrepreneurship, we have the unique ability to unlock these doors and pioneer forward-thinking businesses for an equitable world. We aim not only to adapt to this post COVID-19 society but also to actively shape it.

In the spirit of innovation, this year the SME World Forum will focus on the theme of Imagine. In particular, on Wednesday of the week of this conference, we will host sessions that highlight and present new academic research exploring the imaginative nature of entrepreneurship. Attendees will participate in discussions based on data to promote more global and inclusive business practices. We invite all researchers in the greater DC area to submit papers discussing entrepreneurship for potential presentation at this event.

• The submission portal for the SME World Forum closes September 24th, 20212 at 11:59 pm EDT.
• Acceptance status will be announced on a rolling basis. 
• Registration must be completed by October 15, 2022 at 11:59pm EDT. 
• When you are ready to submit, you can do so by following this link.

On Wednesday evening, we are hosting a Gala to celebrate the SME World Forum Awards recipients.

1. Best Research Paper Award | Awarded to the best research paper presented at the SME World Forum.
2. Best Policy Paper Award | Awarded to the best policy paper presented at the SME World Forum.
3. Best Teaching Workshop Award  | Awarded to the best workshop presenting an innovative teaching pedagogy.
4. Student Award | Awarded to the student who presents the greatest engagement in the imaginative process of entrepreneurial education and action.
5. Imagine Award | Awarded to the attendee who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to initiating imaginative projections through their meaningful work in the world.
6. Student Group Award | Awarded to honor the student group who has initiated their imaginative reflections in hopes of creating a more equitable and just world.
7. Art Award | Awarded to the student who has shown exceptional effort in engaging their imagination and creativity to create art that both reflects and contributes to our community in a meaningful way.
8. Community Impact Award | Awarded to the student who has proven their dedication to projects and policies that uplift our community, spreading inspiration and positivity to faculty, peers, and community members at large.
9. Humane Entrepreneurship Award | Awarded to the entrepreneur who has shown their commitment to humane entrepreneurial practices, working towards a brighter future for our community, country, and world as a whole.
10. Female Impact Award | Awarded to the attendee who has demonstrated their devotion to empowering women in the entrepreneurial world.