NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Hannah Metevia, Programming and Communications Coordinator
Hannah@GrowFL.com
(989) 293-4354

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Florida Business Leaders Inducted into the American Academy
of Entrepreneurs
Florida becomes third state in the nation to participate in mentoring program

Orlando, FL (MARCH 30, 2021) - GrowFL is pleased to announce its first group of entrepreneurial leaders inducted into the American Academy of Entrepreneurs (AAE). In September 2020, GrowFL launched the AAE program making Florida only the third state to offer this mentorship program for second-stage businesses.

Hosted by GrowFL, and supported by the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, and Stankowski Advanced Strategies, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation, AAE brings together a select group of second-stage business owners who benefit from mentoring by experienced entrepreneurs, business management education, and leadership development opportunities. 

Edward Lowe believed America was built on the backs of entrepreneurs and was a passionate about supporting them. As an entrepreneur himself and the inventor of Kitty Litter, Lowe understood first-hand the challenges entrepreneurs face. He and his wife, Darlene Lowe, launched the Edward Lowe Foundation in 1985 to provide entrepreneurs with greater support and resources. 

“The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is proud to partner with GrowFL and the Edward Lowe Foundation to support the American Academy of Entrepreneurs program,” said Paul Sohl, Rear Adm. USN (ret), CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. “Seeing the relationships grow between the mentors and mentees over the past few months and the impact it has had on both sides has been incredible to watch. This is only the first Florida co-hort to participate but I think this group was only a testament to how beneficial this program is going to be for the entrepreneurs to come.”

"It was a great honor to participate in The American Academy of Entrepreneurs. As a mentor, I gained a broader perspective and learned a great deal from my mentees. I was inspired by their passion, enthusiasm and determination,” said Barbara Stankowski. “Their progress over the six months in tackling issues and focusing on goal achievement was impressive. It was a great experience all the way around.” 

The American Academy of Entrepreneurs is a continuation of Lowe’s efforts to ensure the success of second-stage businesses, a significant source of job creation for the nation’s economy. Upon completion of the six-month program between the mentor and mentee, the induction ceremony is a celebration of the relationship the participants have created, and the strides mentees have made in growing their businesses. Participants are officially inducted as members of the American Academy of Entrepreneurs and recognized as an exclusive group of business leaders who are embraced by GrowFL and the Edward Lowe Foundation for their commitment to their businesses and entrepreneurship in their home state.

“I feel so fortunate to be a business owner working in the state of Florida, given the many opportunities available to support small business growth.  The opportunity to participate as a mentee in the Academy program came at a pivotal time for GRACE Aerospace.  I had an incredible mentor, who had tremendous business experience, military experience, and a psychology background,” said Pauline Sevigny, president of GRACE Aerospace. "Through our discussions, I was able to tap into all these skill sets to improve my business and strengthen employee relationships.  Although the program has ended, I know that the relationship with my mentor will continue.”

This esteemed group of eight mentors and nine mentees join others inducted into the Academy from Louisiana and Michigan. Inductees will be invited to gather for an annual celebration hosted by the Edward Lowe Foundation at Big Rock Valley in Cassopolis, Michigan. 

“For any second stage entrepreneur looking for someone to talk to, that has likely walked a mile - or ten - in your shoes, I highly recommend this program. Thoughtful questions will be asked of you to drive introspection and will help create positive momentum for your business,” said Sevigny.

The Florida business leaders inducted into the American Academy of Entrepreneurs are: 

Applications are open to participate in the next AEE program, slated to begin in June. To participate as a mentee, you must be a second-stage business owner with at least 6 employees and $750,000 in revenue.  For mentors, you must currently be or have previously owned and exited a second-stage business and are willing to sponsor a mentee to participate. To apply as a mentor or a mentee, visit https://www.GrowFL.com/american-academy-of-entrepreneurs/. 

About GrowFL:
GrowFL is dedicated to support and accelerate the growth of second-stage companies throughout Florida, by providing their leaders focused, efficient, and timely access to resources they deem important, such as connections with other second-stage company leaders, and to professional organizations whose expertise, experience, and products lead to the second-stage company’s continued growth and prosperity resulting in diversification and growth of Florida’s economy.  Second-stage growth companies have at least 6 employees and $750,000 in revenue and possess an intent and desire to grow beyond second-stage.  Website: https://www.growfl.com. 

About Edward Lowe Foundation:
The Edward Lowe Foundation was established in 1985 by Ed and Darlene Lowe to leverage entrepreneurship as a strategy for economic growth and community development. The foundation’s entrepreneurship initiatives focus on second-stage companies, which are growth-oriented firms that have moved beyond startup but have not yet reached maturity. Its peer learning, leadership education, and strategic information programs are geared to help these companies continue growing. For more information, visit www.EdwardLowe.org.   

About the Florida High Tech Corridor Council:
The Florida High Tech Corridor Council (The Corridor Council) is an economic development initiative of the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF) with a mission to grow high tech industry and innovation – and the workforce to support it – in a 23-county region.
Co-chaired by the presidents of UCF, USF and UF, The Corridor Council facilitates collaboration between more than 25 local and regional economic development organizations (EDOs), 14 state colleges, 12 CareerSource boards and representatives of high-tech industry. Its unique approach to high tech economic development includes a Matching Grants Research Program, K-12 stem education initiatives, workforce development programming and entrepreneurial support. For more information, visit www.floridahightech.com or follow The Corridor on Facebook, Twitter  and LinkedIn.