NFTE and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Announce National Strategic Alliance
New York, USA (15 November 2017) – NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), the world’s leading peer-to-peer network of successful business leaders, announce a national strategic alliance designed to strengthen the transformative power of entrepreneurship. This partnership will further engage EO members across the country to participate in NFTE classrooms as business advisors, mentors and coaches.
The announcement of NFTE and EO’s expanded alliance captures the spirit of Global Entrepreneurship Week, a celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. Taking place on November 13th through November 19th, the Week inspires people through local, national and global activities to explore their potential as self-starters and innovators.
“We are grateful to EO for their commitment to NFTE youth and proud to expand our alliance to build on our foundation of shared values and support for the entrepreneurial mindset,” said Shawn Osborne, President & CEO of NFTE. “By expanding the participation of EO members in NFTE classrooms, even more young people will benefit from their skills, guidance and perspective.”
NFTE’s Entrepreneurship Pathway prepares students in under-resourced communities for long-term economic success in the 21st Century innovation economy by activating the entrepreneurial mindset and teaching startup skills. Young people perform better in school, enroll in and complete higher education at increased rates, and outpace national averages in employment, business startup, and income.
“We are excited to formalize a relationship with NFTE,” said Bob Tassone, East Coast Regional Chair, Entrepreneurs’ Organization. “Having recently listened first-hand to a presentation by a NFTE Student at our Regional Conference, I am inspired and encouraged by tomorrow’s entrepreneurs. EO believes this is a great opportunity for all of our members to give back and be inspired by the future of entrepreneurship created by NFTE.”
Throughout the years, entrepreneurial leaders of EO in New York City, Boston and South Florida have been actively involved with NFTE through a long-standing informal partnership. Verne Harnish, an EO co-founder, has served in the past as a NFTE board member.
The latest initiative will be launched in Washington, DC where EO DC will support an entrepreneurship class for 25 students who attend DC’s Ballou High School. Young people will be immersed in the entrepreneurial mindset as they develop and complete a full business plan. EO DC’s Chapter members will serve as guest speakers, coaches and mentors.
EO has also been involved with NFTE New England for many years with former EO Chapter President, Judy Briggs, serving on NFTE New England’s Regional Advisory Board. EO will participate in the upcoming Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (YES!) hosted at Babson College on November 17th, where EO local members will participate as business coaches during the interactive workshop sessions.
In South Florida, NFTE alum Vanee Brown had the opportunity to present at the EO East Regional Council meeting in October, which kicked off the 2017 EO East Coast Regional Conference in Fort Lauderdale.
This alliance further highlights EO’s new commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as NFTE directly impacts Goals 4 and 8 that are focused on education and economic empowerment.
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About NFTE
NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) is an internationally recognized nonprofit that activates the entrepreneurial mindset in young people. Research shows that the entrepreneurial mindset—skills including innovation, self-reliance, comfort with risk, communication, and problem-solving—prepares young people for lifelong success. Equipped with the mindset, as well as with the business and academic skills that NFTE teaches, NFTE students are ready to thrive in the innovation economy no matter what path they choose. NFTE focuses its work on under-resourced communities, with programs in 19 locations in 9 countries.
