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EO History
Championing Entrepreneurs for More Than 35 Years
The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) has been at the forefront of supporting and connecting business owners worldwide for more than three decades. From its humble beginnings in 1987 to its current status as the world's most influential entrepreneurial community, EO's journey is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and continuous growth.
1980s | THE EARLY YEARS
1987
Verne Harnish creates the Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO®) for business owners under 40; convenes a founding board of 22 entrepreneurs and holds their first independent gathering in the Bahamas
1988
First YEO chapter launches in Washington D.C., supported by YPO’s local chapter
YEO member and external general counsel Andrew Sherman files articles of incorporation to form the non-profit entity in Washington, D.C.
1989
YEO gains official not-for-profit status in the United States as a registered 501(c)3
1990s | Global Growth
1990
YEO expands with first chapters in Canada. Elects its first Global Board of Directors. Chooses member Kimberly Hickock Smith as its first, elected, International Chair. Appoints Mohammed Fathelbab as its first paid Executive Director
1991
In partnership with M.I.T. and Inc. Magazine, Verne Harnish creates "Birthing of Giants" Executive Education, a predecessor to EO’s Entrepreneurial Masters’ Program
1992
YEO merges its U.S. and Canada groups into one international organization
1993
Hosts its first ‘University’ events in Canada for all members
1995
Expands its presence with chapters in Asia and Europe; secures its first official corporate sponsorship from IBM
1996
Secures a US$1 million grant from the Kauffman Foundation
1997
Celebrates year 10 with 1,000 members; creates World Entrepreneurs' Organization (WEO) for members who graduate YEO at age 40
1998
Hosts its first Global Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas
EARLY 2000s | Becoming EO
2000
YEO moves its headquarters to Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
2001
Launches YEOnet as its first website for members
2005
YEO and WEO merge into one unified brand: the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), eclipsing 5,000 members
Creates EO Accelerator to help first-stage entrepreneurs reach $1m USD annually
2006
Assumes stewardship of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards
2007
Celebrates its 20th anniversary with 7,000 members in 108 chapters and 38 countries
2008
Launches and hosts its inaugural Global Leadership Academy
2009
Establishes EO Regional Councils
2010s | EXPANSION AND PARTNERSHIP
2010
EO Introduces EO Explorations group travel experience for members
2013
Launches MyEO Groups for members to find special interest and affinity communities
2015
Partners with the London Business School to offer Executive Education in business growth planning
2016
Partners with The Wharton School to offer Executive Education in finance & operations
2017
Celebrates its first 30 years, reaching 12,000 members
2018
Partners with Harvard Business School to offer Executive Education in entrepreneurial strategy
2020
Rebrands with a colorful new logo. Launches 10 new Bridge Chapters
2021
Launches EO Global Speakers Academy and the EO Powerhouse Speakers Series
2022
Partners with INSEAD, the Business School for the World, to offer Executive Education in leading corporate culture
2024
EO’s Global Leadership Conference hosts its largest gathering yet: 1,800+ entrepreneurs from 65 countries
A Legacy of Impact
From its start as YEO® and WEO® to becoming the world's most influential entrepreneurial community, EO's evolution reflects its commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth and innovation. By connecting and empowering business leaders, EO continues to contribute to job creation, economic development, and positive change across the globe.
Join Our Ongoing Story
As we continue to write the history of EO, we invite successful entrepreneurs to become part of our legacy. Join us in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and moving the world forward through the power of connection, learning, and shared growth.