"Today, university-based entrepreneurship is critical not just to students, but also to cities and nations that seek to foster innovation, job growth and economic development," said Kevin Langley, chairman elect elect, EO. "GSEA is just the start of an entrepreneurial engine that will turn dorm room entrepreneurs into the future business leaders of tomorrow and with them the opportunity for positive economic change, locally and globally."

                      GSEA TOP NOMINATING SCHOOLS

                   University                      Total   Country
     1  Babson College                               54     USA
     2  Arizona State University                     31     USA
     3  University of Pennsylvania                   30     USA
     4  University of Southern California            26     USA
     5  Yale University                              25     USA
     6  Harvard University                           21     USA
     7  National University of Singapore             20     Singapore
     8  Massachusetts Institute of Technology        18     USA
     9  Stanford University                          16     USA
    10  New York University                          16     USA
    11  Brigham Young University - Utah              14     USA
    12  RMIT University                              14     Australia
    13  Duke University                              13     USA
    14  Macquarie University                         12     Australia
    15  Queensland University of Technology          10     Canada
    16  Memorial University of Newfoundland          10     Canada
    17  Ryerson University                           10     Canada
    18  Texas Christian University                   10     USA
    19  University of Houston                        10     USA
    20  University of Wisconsin - Madison            10     USA
    21  Pennsylvania State University                10     USA
    22  Belmont University                            9     USA
    23  University of North Caroline - Chapel Hill    9     USA
    24  Northeastern University                       9     USA
    25  Bryant University                             9     USA

"We attribute the 66 percent growth in GSEA nominations to the incredible cooperation between EO members and leaders of academic entrepreneurial programs who seek out incredible students and their mentors around the world," said Dean Lindal, vice president of EO. "The awards are so much more than just a business distinction -- it's the chance for a student business owner to immerse oneself in global networking, mentoring and growth opportunities that only the Entrepreneurs' Organization can provide. We're proud to see so many great institutions making GSEA a priority for their students."

This year, 30 of the world's regional finalists will vie for the top prize to be awarded at the 2009 GSEA Global Finals Competition at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Applicants are selected to compete against their peers by presenting their businesses to a panel of judges comprised of EO members, business luminaries and renowned national business journalists. The 2009 winner will receive $150,000 in cash and prizes, including access to EO's global network and thousands of dollars in donated business resources and services.

"Entrepreneurship is truly part of our DNA at Babson. From the first day students walk on campus they are immersed in an experiential and integrated curriculum around entrepreneurial thought and action coupled with a wide array of clubs, events, speakers, competitions, resources, and co-curricular activities to inspire & educate the next generation of entrepreneurs," said Daniel Marques, manager, entrepreneur development, Babson. "Being recognized as the top nominating school for the GSEA is a wonderful recognition of our vibrant & dynamic community of entrepreneurs at Babson."

About the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards

As the premiere global competition for undergraduate students, the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) inspire students to adopt entrepreneurial endeavors by bringing global visibility to student business owners who are innovative, profitable and socially responsible. Since 1998, the GSEA, a program founded at the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University, has honored outstanding undergraduates who juggle a course load as a student and run their own businesses at the same time. The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) took on leadership of the GSEA in 2006 to offer student entrepreneurs access to a global network of mentors, resources and connections from the most influential community of entrepreneurs in the world. The GSEA is generously supported by founding partner Mercedes Benz Financial and major foundations, including the NYSE Foundation the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Acton Foundation for Entrepreneurial Excellence and the Todd Thomas Foundation. To nominate a student entrepreneur or to get involved, go to www.gsea.org.

About the Entrepreneurs' Organization

The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) -- for entrepreneurs only -- is a dynamic global network of more than 7,300 business owners in 42 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. Membership in one of EO's 116 chapters is by invitation only; the average member is 40 years old with annual revenues of US$17.3 million. For more information, go to: www.eonetwork.org.