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.  

apply

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.

Next Session - September 2023

Applicants must be able to attend the kick-off retreat at the Edward Lowe Foundation on September 19th - 21st.

Location

Edward Lowe Foundation
Cassopolis, MI

Questions?

Reach out to Hannah Metevia at [email protected]

Application