The American Academy of Entrepreneurs (AAE) is a unique mentoring program that pairs seasoned second-stage entrepreneurs with business owners who have entered second-stage more recently. The goal is to share lessons learned, expand networks and accelerate growth. A partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, it brings growth opportunities for both mentors and mentees.

Ed Lowe believed that entrepreneurs are the backbone of the American economy, and he often talked about the need to break through “brick walls,” referring to the challenges that entrepreneurs face as they try to scale their businesses. Ed also believed that great things happen when entrepreneurs come together. “Many were the times I wished for a mentor,” Ed wrote in his later years when sketching out ideas for his foundation and its programs. “A mentor to help me through those scary and challenging times. Someone who’d been there. Someone whose experience I could tap, to reassure me that I wasn’t alone in my obsession.”

Here’s how it unfolds:

  • Retreat — The program kicks off with a three-day retreat at the Edward Lowe Foundation in Cassopolis, Michigan. Designed to be highly interactive, this workshop looks at mentoring best practices, helps participants prepare for their six-month engagement, and pairs up mentors and mentees.

  • Monthly calls — After the retreat, each mentor-mentee pair meets for six 90-minute Zoom calls.

  • Midpoint check-in — After the third set of meetings, mentors get together for a Zoom session to share best practices. Similarly, mentees participate in a virtual roundtable to share their progress toward goals or issues they may be facing.

  • Annual conference — All participants will be invited to the Edward Lowe Foundation for an annual conference to celebrate their accomplishments bringing together inductees from Florida, Michigan, and Louisiana.

Testimonials

INTEREST FORM

American Academy of Entrepreneurs

  • Cost

$1,700 per attendee
Includes food, lodging and Mentor/Mentee Retreat. Transportation to and from the retreat is the responsibility of the participant.

  • Stay Tuned For Our Next Session Announcement!

Applicants must be able to attend the kick-off retreat at the Edward Lowe Foundation.

  • Location

Edward Lowe Foundation in Cassopolis, MI

  • Questions?

Reach out to GrowFL at [email protected]

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Hosted In Partnership with Edward Lowe Foundation

The Edward Lowe Foundation, established by entrepreneur Edward Lowe in 1985, is dedicated to supporting the second-stage development of growth-oriented businesses. With a mission to champion the spirit of entrepreneurship and assist entrepreneurs in navigating the unique challenges of business expansion, the Foundation provides invaluable resources, programs, and research. Located in Michigan, the Foundation operates on a national scale, facilitating peer learning and leadership development through initiatives such as leader retreats and educational workshops. These programs are designed not just to scale businesses but also to foster a community among entrepreneurs, encouraging collaboration and mutual support in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Building Success Together

Our programs provide connections with other second-stage company leaders, resources, and organizations whose expertise, experience, and products lead to the second-stage company’s continued growth and prosperity.

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