• 800-232-LOWE (5693)
  • info@lowe.org
  • 58220 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031

Entrepreneurship

Programs

The foundation’s entrepreneurship initiatives are focused on second-stage companies — growth-oriented firms that have moved beyond startup but haven’t yet reached maturity. ​

Partnerships

We leverage our resources by distributing the foundation's programs to second-stage companies through partner organizations who share our values and passion for helping entrepreneurs grow.

The Edward Lowe Foundation focuses on growth-oriented second-stage entrepreneurs because we believe they have the greatest impact on U.S. prosperity. Having moved beyond the startup phase, these business owners have both the intent and capability for continued expansion. From a numbers perspective, second-stage businesses have about 10 to 99 employees and generate $1 million to $50 million in annual revenue.

Significant job creators, these companies only represented 18% of U.S. business establishments in 2023, but generated nearly 40% of all jobs, according to YourEconomy.org. Second-stagers often have national or international markets, which bring outside dollars into their communities. And many attract venture-capital dollars, raising investor awareness for a region.

Armed with greater experience and financial bandwidth than startups, second-stage companies are able to expand into new markets and introduce innovations that impact their industries. Their stability and deeper pockets also enable them to provide more diverse, high-quality jobs and better benefits for employees.

And in our experience, second-stagers  are devoted corporate citizens. Some have revitalized blighted areas by building new facilities or renovating existing ones. Others have a strong track record of philanthropy; whether they support social or environmental causes, they are determined to make a difference.

Understanding second-stage challenges is as important as recognizing their contributions, because serving them is drastically different than working with startups or microbusinesses. 

To accelerate success for second-stagers, the foundation has developed programs around peer learning, leadership education and strategic information. We also use our expertise to educate communities and other entrepreneur support organizations about second-stage companies, how to work with them — and how to develop the kind of supportive culture they need to flourish.

Second-stage spotlight​

Dorothy with Dan copy
Flamm Pickle: Relishing a new role
Since joining Flamm Pickle and Packing Co., Dorothy Munao has been able to double the company's production...
Entrepreneurial house party: High Caliber Karting and Entertainment
“Prior to SIG, I had ideas about what I wanted to do, and thought they might be possible,” says Jordan...
Marcellus Metalcasters: Forging new growth
“Knowing that I would speak to my team leader in a few days helped me focus and work on my business instead...
White Glove Interior Care: Scaling while maintaining quality
“I gained knowledge and understanding on how to grow and scale so we can make a difference in Louisiana,”...
Mercury Mosaics: An intersection of art and entrepreneurship
Mercedes Austin of Mercury Mosaics is using research from her SIG engagement to help launch a sister...
Geaux Above: Adding structure to scale smoothly
“The SIG engagement was priceless and worth every second of my time — in fact, it’s saving me time and...
CyberReef: In search of MVNOs
CyberReef’s recent SIG engagement focused on finding prospective customers for its new TrafficIQ tec...
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“The foundation’s programs wrap together and create a great package. They help shape you as a business owner by putting a lot of tools in your toolbox and building the right relationships to guide you along the way. To me, the Edward Lowe Foundation is the entrepreneur’s Disney World. Every program is a ride, and you want to keep riding the rides. You don’t want to leave.”
— Zach Raley
founder of Utiliserve and Fireserve in Bossier City, Louisiana