Young CEOs Hold Summit in The Center for Entrepreneurship

July 20, 2004

Global Entrepreneurs Converge for Annual Summit

Young CEOs from all over the globe gathered at The Center for Entrepreneurship in October to share their experiences on private entrepreneurship and map out strategies for the future. This exclusive event was an annual regional conference for over 100 members of the Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO) and the World Entrepreneurs' Organization (WEO). The YEO and WEO, founded on the principle that one learns the most from peers, have grown into a global entrepreneurial community, providing peer-to-peer networking and resources dedicated to fostering private entrepreneurship across the globe, according to Brien Biondi, the YEO's CEO. Biondi stated that YEO has grown significantly, with membership increasing from 1,000 to 5,000 over seven years, and country membership rising from six to 35 countries.

Growth and Impact of Entrepreneurial Organizations

The Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO) was founded in 1987 and has since become a cornerstone in global entrepreneurship. Brien Biondi, the YEO's CEO, highlighted Russia's potential as a key component of the organization's growth due to its untapped business opportunities, thus making the organization stronger and more diverse. Membership in YEO requires applicants to be under 40, and they must own or co-own businesses with annual revenues of at least $1 million. The World Entrepreneurs' Organization (WEO) is primarily composed of YEO graduates aged 40 and above, with companies generating at least $7 million in annual revenue. Noteworthy members, such as Brien Biondi and Dmitri Agarunov, emphasize the unique peer support and networking opportunities provided by these organizations, which foster innovation, business growth, and the creation of job opportunities globally.