Spotlight On

Mission:
Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO) is a global, non-profit educational organization for young business owners. Its members build upon their successes through an array of learning and networking opportunities. YEO’s vision is to be the premier, peer-to-peer global resource, network and community for entrepreneurs and is dedicated to fostering the future of entrepreneurs worldwide.

With 4,700 members in chapters around the world, YEO provides its members access to a global network of their peers. Boasting 104 chapters with membership in 142 cities, spanning 35 countries, YEO's rapidly expanding membership includes entrepreneurs from every size and type of business. The average age of membership is only 34 years old.

To qualify for membership, an individual must be under the age of 40 and be the founder, co-founder, owner or controlling shareholder of a business with gross annual sales exceeding $1 million.

Background and Timeline:

• In 1987, 22 young entrepreneurs invested $1000 each to launch YEO.
  
• In 1990, YEO became a chapter-driven organization and launched its first chapters with the help of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).
  
• By 1991, YEO had hired a full-time Executive Director and had set up headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
  
• By 1992, the Mexico City chapter was born, becoming the first international chapter outside of the US and Canada.
  
• By 1995, YEO and YPO formed a formal strategic alliance, allowing the sharing of resources in addition to YPO helping in a mentor capacity.
  
• In 1996, YEO established World Entrepreneurs’ Organization (WEO) for those members who aged out of YEO.
  
• By the end of 1996, YEO broke the 1,000 member mark and became a global organization with chapters throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and Australia.
  
• By 2002, YEO had quadrupled its size.

Current Programs:
Since its formation in 1987, YEO has offered an increasing number of programs designed to keep members informed on business, geopolitical and technological issues. More than just an entrepreneurial education organization, YEO stresses the importance of personal development as an equal partner to professional development. YEO is founded on the principle that one learns the most from those who share similar experiences.

An advantage of belonging to the YEO global community entitles members to participate in programs that maximize member-to-member interaction:

• Forum
  This unique peer-sharing program provides members with the opportunity to maximize the most valuable asset their local entrepreneur peers have to offer — wisdom gained from their own experiences. Members are placed in a group of up to 12 local peers that meet on a monthly basis to confidentially discuss any and all issues that affect the life of a young entrepreneur.

• Inventory Of Skills (IOS)
  IOS is a highly confidential networking resource that connects members who need assistance with business, personal or medical problems with other members who have been through a similar experience.

• WPO-YEO Mentor Program with the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO)
  The Mentor Program matches eager YEO entrepreneurs with experienced WPO mentors in a mutually beneficial mentorship that seeks to develop the entrepreneur in business, personal growth and perspective.

• Social Innovators Program
  This program provides an outlet for the many YEO/WEO members who wish to give back and address pressing social problems in their local communities.

  YEO chapters usually hold eight to 10 events per year, focusing on a mix between business, self-improvement, social and cultural issues. YEO also produces large international conferences, or Universities. YEO Universities enable members to establish relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and expand their network.

Funding Needs:
YEO seeks up to $5 million in funding over the next three years to achieve technology infrastructure upgrades and improvements, begin new technology benefits development, grow its program offerings, and launch new affiliated groups.

The "Spotlight On" highlights the activities of a different 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving the Metropolitan Washington, DC community. The selection of organizations for the "Spotlight On" is based on criteria such as programmatic interests, geographic focus, and size, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the region's nonprofit sector.

If you'd like to see your NPO in the "Spotlight," e-mail a description of your organization, following the above format, to dclibrary@foundationcenter.org, with "Spotlight Submission" in the subject line.