Welcome Home: A Look Inside EO Houses Across the Globe

Last fall, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria visited EO San Diego's “EO House” to celebrate the chapter's 30th anniversary. He proclaimed 19 November as "EO San Diego Day" in recognition of the 200-member chapter’s economic impact on the city via job creation and revenue generation.

“That was a really cool experience to have the government of San Diego come recognize that EO San Diego is a key partner in the market,” says Anna Crowe, a seven-year EO member and EO San Diego's president in 2024-2025. “That created a lot of buzz and also gives more visibility to EO in the community.”

The EO House provided an ideal venue for that sort of impactful event. And, like EO San Diego, a handful of Entrepreneurs’ Organization chapters around the world have their own houses that help bring EO members together. The locations dotting the globe — from New York to Berlin to Noida and beyond — are a physical manifestation of EO’s core values: shared learning, trust, and growth. 

EO Houses give members a tangible space to connect in an increasingly virtual world. They serve as havens where entrepreneurs who may be inclined to spend most of their time in solitude — building businesses, managing crises, charting growth — can gather, recharge, and be reminded they are not alone.

Each EO House reflects the culture of its chapter. Some serve primarily as co-working spaces, while others double as social hubs. Everywhere, though, the goal remains the same: To provide EO members with a house that feels like home.  

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and then EO San Diego
President Anna Crowe on "EO San Diego Day" at the chapter's EO House.
(Photos courtesy of There San Diego)  

EO San Diego: A Model for Chapter Engagement

The San Diego chapter's EO House, which opened three years ago, has become a pillar for member engagement. Located in an office park near La Jolla and north of San Diego’s city center, the house features conference rooms, open workspace areas, and a small warehouse that hosts member events.

The facility features industrial elements like exposed ductwork and wood beam ceilings paired with modern furnishings and motivational wall graphics. Portraits of the chapter’s past presidents are on display, while inspirational messaging and word clouds adorn the walls.

According to Anna, the facility excels at creating "a safe space” during member panels and Forum discussions on sensitive topics. The house serves a range of constituencies within the chapter’s ecosystem: Forums, sponsors, and EO Accelerator participants all utilize the EO House regularly. It even includes a podcast recording room.

EO San Diego member Jaime Nacach, who runs a fully remote marketing firm, appreciates the house's practical value, regularly using the space for quarterly team meetings with employees who fly in specifically for these gatherings. This dual-purpose functionality — serving both EO programming and members' business needs — illustrates the value houses can provide to members. “It is a great idea,” he says. “It is a really cool space.”

EO Berlin: An Anchor in the City

EO Berlin created a multi-use space at the heart of the city. 

 

 

How to Establish an EO House

Every chapter’s process for launching a house is unique, but there are common elements to consider that can lead to a thriving space:

- Location, Location, Location
Chapters with EO Houses emphasize accessibility. Berlin chose the city center for easy access to public transportation, and Noida prioritized ample parking space and centrality across a wide geographic region.

- Design for Flexibility
Successful EO Houses are not just a cluster of meeting rooms. They mix co-working areas, event spaces, lounges, and storage. They are built to host everything from an intimate Forum meeting to a 70-person learning session to a robust chapter social event.

- Be Mindful of Budget
Financial models vary: Berlin folds costs into dues and seeks partnerships; Noida leaned on its reserves and donations. Chapters agree the investment is worthwhile, but early buy-in from members is key.

- Create a Cultural Hub
A house should feel like EO, not just another office. In Berlin, Frauke stressed the importance of creating a “true community space.” In San Diego, the open design fosters spontaneous connection and decorations highlight EO values and messaging. An inviting EO House helps amplify and embody EO’s culture.

 

EO Berlin decided to open a house in 2024 to create a “physical anchor point” for its members, says EO Berlin chapter manager Frauke Machander. “The EO House should be more than just an office or an event venue,” she says. “It should be a true community space that embodies and makes EO values tangible.”

Berlin’s house, located in the heart of the city, reflects that mission. Its layout combines flexible meeting rooms, a co-working space, and a large event area. Accessibility was a priority; proximity to public transportation ensures members from across the city can easily stop by.

Costs are folded into members’ chapter dues, but Frauke says members the fees are not onerous. Looking ahead, EO Berlin aims to leverage strategic partnerships to offset expenses. “We do not see this as a burden but as an investment in community, culture, and added value for our members,” she notes.

EO Noida: Building an Identity 

When EO Noida launched its chapter in 2021, its leaders soon wished to establish a place the new chapter could call home. “It symbolizes our community and togetherness, a space to connect or just hang out, helping integrate the chapter more closely,” says Saurabh Gupta, a four-year EO member and EO Noida marketing and communications chair. “It provides a common ground for members and spouses and life partners to gather, collaborate, and build deeper bonds.”

For EO Noida, the EO House solved several practical challenges. Board, committee, and Forum meetings were often hosted at hotel meeting spaces that carried exorbitant price tags. A dedicated facility brought efficiency, independence, and control. The space — more than 2,000 square feet with boardrooms, a lounge, storage, ample parking, and a bar and pantry — was built to host events for up to 70 people.

Funding came from the chapter’s assets and donations from member leaders, which helps keep costs low for many members. While the house has only recently opened, Saurabh expects it to become a selling point for prospective members and a cornerstone for the chapter’s culture.

“Building an EO House is a significant commitment, but it can become a showcase asset for prospective members, strategic alliances, and above all, a convenience for existing members,” Saurabh says. “It is still early to measure the full impact, but we are confident that the EO House will provide substantial value and strengthen camaraderie among our members over time.”

EO Houses Worldwide

EO Austin
EO Baltimore
EO Berlin
EO Charlotte
EO Chicago
EO Cleveland
EO Dubai (In development)
EO London
EO New York
EO Noida
EO Philippines
EO San Diego