Joining Forces to Accelerate Innovation: CED Partners with EO to Support Founders Scaling High-Growth Ventures
The Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) and Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) of Raleigh/Durham Partner to Support North Carolina Entrepreneurs
Durham, NC – October 8, 2025 – The Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), North Carolina’s leading nonprofit supporting high-growth founders, and the Raleigh/Durham chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), part of a global peer network of more than 18,000 entrepreneurs, today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate regional economic growth and scale support for founders across industries and stages.
This collaboration brings together two of the region’s most impactful founder-serving organizations driving scalable company success and unlocking $20B in new regional enterprise value by 2034.
“This is about building bridges, not silos,” said Kelly Rowell, CEO of CED. “Together with EO Raleigh/Durham, we’re offering a clearer path for founders to grow, whether they’re just getting started or scaling past $1M in revenue.”
As part of the partnership, EO Raleigh/Durham and CED will roll out mutual membership discounts, coordinated programming, and a shared referral model. Founders in CED’s FORGE community and GRO Incubator can now access EO’s renowned programs at a discounted rate, while EO members gain special access to CED’s programs, events, and startup marketplace.
“We believe in the power of community” said Geoffrey Banks, EO Raleigh/Durham Chapter President. “Partnering with CED allows us to support rising founders and entrepreneurs, while strengthening the regional pipeline of scale-ready businesses.”
By aligning their strengths, CED’s robust regional programming and ecosystem connectivity, with EO’s global network of successful founder-operators, the partnership aims to remove barriers to scale, improve the entrepreneurial experience for leaders, and create a holistic founder journey from idea to exit.
About CED
The Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) is a nonprofit organization that helps founders build and scale high-growth companies in North Carolina. With a 40-year legacy and a network of startup mentors, capital partners, and ecosystem champions, CED is the Triangle’s hub for entrepreneurial growth.
About Entrepreneurs’ Organization – Raleigh/Durham
EO Raleigh/Durham is the regional chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global network of 18,000+ founders across 75+ countries. EO Raleigh/Durham supports business owners with $1M+ in revenue through curated peer groups (Forums), business and wellness education for entrepreneurs, and global entrepreneurial events featuring world renowned speakers.For questions or inquiries about this release, please email admin@cednc.org to be connected.
