While starting a business has many benefits, there are challenges that come with being an entrepreneur. Operating and growing a successful business takes a considerable amount of time, investment, hard work and perseverance.
One of the most important necessities for entrepreneurs is a sense of community. Entrepreneur’s Organization was designed to provide this for business founders around the world. Tampa is home to its own EO chapter.
EO’s core mission is to help entrepreneurs reach their greatest potential through meaningful connections. Through frequent events and forum meetings, EO encourages its members to find common ground and bond over shared experiences. Furthermore, EO provides members with networking opportunities that can have a substantial impact.
Stefan Bozik, the marketing and communication chair of EO Tampa Bay’s board, has experienced this firsthand. “It’s an amazing resource on a number of levels,” he explained. “It’s a great way to bring entrepreneurs together to share growing your own business, the stresses and the wins.”
Forums are one of EO’s most beneficial offerings. Members of EO can join a forum, where they are placed in a small group of entrepreneurs and meet every month. During the three-to-four-hour meeting, forum members can share the best and worst about their entrepreneurship experiences.
Every EO forum follows the same structure and EO members are encouraged to discuss topics related to business, personal lives and family issues. Bozik emphasized how forums are a “safe and confidential space” for members and that EO forums were designed as a place where a group of entrepreneurs can help fellow entrepreneurs celebrate or work through issues.
According to Bozik, EO has had great success in the Tampa community. “The Tampa chapter has seen substantial growth and we are seeing a lot more entrepreneurship happening in the area,” he elaborated.
EO has decided to host its East Coast regional conference, Nerve Reinvented, in Tampa this year. From October 18 to October 20, EO members can participate in planned learning, entertainment and networking events. From engaging evening parties to inspirational education, Nerve Reinvented was designed to provide EO members with an unforgettable experience. The conference’s speakers include Patrick Bet-David, acclaimed author and the founder of PHP Agency, James Hickman, founder of Sovereign Man, and Mark Gordon, chairman and CEO of Odessey Marine Exploration.
EO Tampa Bay is launching an accelerator program as well, which will launch during the Nerve Reinvented conference. The accelerator program, which emphasizes an educational approach, was designed to help scale businesses. Accelerator members can enjoy four coaching days a year where they can learn more about strategy, cash flow and different areas of business. Individuals who want to apply for EO’s accelerator program should be working towards a goal of a million or more in revenue within three years.
To learn more about EO Tampa Bay, visit www.eonetwork.org.