Combining its expertise in entrepreneurship and peer learning, the Edward Lowe Foundation hosts leader retreats for second-stage business owners, key managers of second-stage companies and leaders of entrepreneur support organizations. Curriculum varies depending on a group’s specific needs, but typically addresses the unique challenges of second stage and enables participants to sharpen leadership skills, think differently and make faster, better decisions.
Another format introduced recently is single company retreats: If a second-stage entrepreneur has participated in a past retreat with other business owners, they can bring their staff to BRV for an educational experience.
PeerSpectives® roundtables, which typically involve eight to 12 business executives from noncompeting industries, provide a confidential forum where participants can share their challenges and experiences — and enhance their leadership capabilities. Hallmarks of the program include: trained facilitators, a focus on sharing experiences rather than giving advice and a structured protocol that ensures a balanced discussion.
Because second-stagers are so focused on growing their businesses, they frequently fly under the radar, and their contributions often go unnoticed by policymakers, economic developers, community stakeholders and even the media. To increase awareness for these important growth entrepreneurs, the foundation has established various recognition initiatives including Companies to Watch®, an awards program format developed specifically for second-stagers.
We also conduct a series of online articles, Second-Stage Rockstars, to examine the ongoing contributions of second-stagers. The stories chronicle not only companies’ economic growth, but also how they may be transforming their industry, creating empowering workplaces or excelling as corporate citizens.
