This year, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the world’s leading peer-to-peer network of successful business owners, celebrates 25 years in the Valley. Since the Arizona chapter launched in 1993, EO Arizona has grown to be one of the largest chapters in the world, with 160 members. EO is made up of entrepreneurs who are founders/co-founders or majority shareholders of a business that exceeds $1 million in annual revenue.
Since its inception, the organization has been home to some of the Valley’s most prominent business leaders, many of whom credit much of their success to the foundation they found in EO. These include Governor Doug Ducey, former CEO of Cold Stone Creamery; best-selling author and speaker Ken McElroy; restaurateurs Craig DeMarco and Lauren Bailey; and Neil Balter, founder of California Closets and Organizers Direct.
EO Arizona also leads one of the largest accelerator chapters in the country. EO Accelerator is a comprehensive program for business owners who have less than $1 million revenue, with a goal to teach them the knowledge and skills they need to grow their business above that million-dollar threshold. Since launching the program in 2008, EO Arizona has helped more than 35 entrepreneurs grow their revenue to more than $1 million.
Additionally, the organization relaunched its Global Student Entrepreneurs Awards competition this year in honor of its 25th year, in which college students from across the state can enter to compete and present their entrepreneurial idea for a chance to win more than $30,000 in prizes and support to bring their idea to life.
Globally, the organization boasts more than 13,000 members, with 179 chapters in 57 countries. Founded in 1987, EO is the catalyst that enables leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond.
