The National Entrepreneurs Association (NEA) strives to become a world leader in providing high-quality training programs for growth-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses.
With a national network of over 4,000 entrepreneurs in the United States, the NEA addresses some of the biggest challenges they face, including feelings of isolation, access to funding, inadequate training, and lack of recognition.
Isolation
Since most entrepreneurs work alone or in small teams, they can often feel isolated and misunderstood. NEA is focused on creating networking experiences, both virtually and in-person, that allow entrepreneurs to feel connected with peers and professionals who understand their journey and can help them achieve their goals.
Funding
According to a 2024 Goldman Sachs survey, 77% of small businesses are concerned about their ability to access capital. NEA in partnership with Dell Technologies produces two national pitch contests each year where business owners can win over $10,000 in cash and technology to help them grow their businesses. In addition, NEA offers funding workshops at training conferences and boot camps to teach financial management as well as how to increase the chances of getting funded.
Training
Entrepreneurs wear many hats, and most start businesses based on their expertise in one or two areas. For example, someone who loves fashion may start a business making clothes but have no idea about how to market a product or how to legally protect it.
NEA, in partnership with Comerica Bank, provides a comprehensive 9-week entrepreneur boot camp and certification program that gives entrepreneurs a complete overview of what it means to be a successful entrepreneur. The topics covered include mindset, funding, financial management, marketing, technology, and legal matters. Graduates often describe the program as transformative. At the end of the program, students are tested to see how well they retained the information. Those receiving a score of 80% or higher participate in a virtual graduation ceremony and the designation of NEA Certified Entrepreneur. Maryann Nutt, founder of My Healthy Life and a graduate of Cohort 7 states, “Each week gave me nuggets that transformed my mindset, abilities, focus, and future.”
In addition to the entrepreneur boot camp, NEA offers two training conferences each year giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to connect with their peers and obtain specialized training to further their professional development. These one-day conferences provide invaluable face-to-face time with key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The speakers and trainers presenting at these events are carefully selected to ensure entrepreneurs receive the information and motivation needed to grow.
Recognition
Outstanding Business Awards are handed out each year to deserving entrepreneurs and small business owners. Because most entrepreneurs work alone or with small teams, they often do not get the recognition that they deserve for their hard work and commitment to their communities. According to the Small Business Association, small businesses provide almost half of all U.S. jobs. Entrepreneurs are a very valuable resource and the backbone of the U.S. economy.
NEA Lifetime Achievement Awards are awarded to entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in entrepreneurship. Through hard work and dedication, these individuals have built multi-million dollar businesses that contribute to the economic growth and development of the communities in which they serve. Past recipients include Michael McFall, CEO of BiGGBY COFFEE; Linda Schlesinger-Wagner, CEO of Skinnytees; and Joseph B Anderson, CEO of TAG Holdings.
In addition to the above services, NEA offers one-to-one coaching and mastermind groups. One-to-one coaching allows entrepreneurs to address specific challenges that they are facing with an experienced coach. Mastermind groups allow entrepreneurs and small business owners to do intensive work in small groups and receive peer-to-peer feedback.
Finally, NEA serves as a voice for entrepreneurs. Through forums and panel discussions with community leaders, NEA seeks to find real solutions to the issues that concern entrepreneurs most.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners play a vital role in our society. They are creative risk-takers who provide solutions to the world’s greatest challenges, making all of our lives easier. Therefore, we must support them. Organizations like the National Entrepreneurs Association are crucial to their support and development.
For more information visit nationalentrepreneurs.org.
