1998
The program originates at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University, encompassing participants from Canada, the United States and Mexico.
2002
The competition’s name changes to “Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA)” to reflect its new global scope.
2006
Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) takes over the program to provide a
sustainable model, and continued growth and expansion.
2007
GSEA expands into Australia, Africa and Asia.
2008
Student nominations reach 1,000.
2009
GSEA expands into 12 new countries, for a total of 18.
2014
Local and national competitions grow to over fifty locations.
2016
Fifty student finalists from 50 different countries attend Global Finals in Bangkok, Thailand.
2019
GSEA expands into six new countries, for a total of 56.
2021
Own the Room is released. The film follows the inspirational journeys of five GSEA finalists on the road to the Global Finals.
2022
“Start it Up season launches with over 1.5 Million views