Edward Lowe Foundation 

An Entrepreneurship and Second-Stage Business Development Foundation

Edward Lowe Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on entrepreneurship, second-stage business growth, leadership development, and economic development. Founded in 1985 by Ed and Darlene Lowe, the foundation is dedicated to helping growth-oriented companies scale successfully while strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems and local communities.

The organization is especially known for its work with:

• Second-stage companies
• Entrepreneur peer learning
• Leadership education
• Economic development organizations
• Entrepreneurship research and support programs.

Core Areas of Focus

The foundation focuses on:

• Entrepreneurship and business growth
• Leadership and peer learning
• Entrepreneur education and mentoring
• Economic and community development
• Research and strategic information for growth companies.

Its programs are designed primarily for:

• “Second-stage” businesses — companies that have moved beyond startup but are still scaling and evolving.

The foundation combines:

• Leadership programs
• Mentoring initiatives
• Entrepreneur peer networks
• Educational workshops and retreats
• Research and ecosystem development.

Second-Stage Entrepreneurship

A defining feature of the foundation is its emphasis on:

• Supporting second-stage growth companies.

The organization argues that these businesses:

• Generate significant job growth
• Drive innovation and investment
• Face challenges different from startups or mature corporations.

Programs focus on helping entrepreneurs:

• Scale operations
• Build leadership capacity
• Develop strategy and execution systems
• Learn from experienced peers.

Leadership Development and Peer Learning

The foundation strongly emphasizes:

• Entrepreneur-to-entrepreneur learning.

Programs include:

• Leadership retreats
• Mentoring initiatives
• Strategic roundtables
• Peer learning communities
• Succession and legacy planning support.

Its American Academy of Entrepreneurs program pairs:

• Experienced second-stage founders
  with:
• Emerging growth-stage entrepreneurs.

The organization’s philosophy reflects founder Ed Lowe’s belief that:

• Entrepreneurs learn best from other entrepreneurs.

Economic Development and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

The foundation also works with:

• Economic development organizations
• Entrepreneur support organizations
• Regional business ecosystems.

Its work emphasizes:

• Building supportive environments for growth companies
• Educating communities about second-stage business needs
• Strengthening regional entrepreneurship infrastructure.

The organization positions entrepreneurship as:

• A key driver of economic vitality, innovation, and community growth.

Position Within the Entrepreneurship Landscape

Edward Lowe Foundation operates within the broader ecosystem of:

• Entrepreneurship foundations
• Leadership development organizations
• Economic development and business support networks.

Its positioning is distinctive because it specializes in:

• Second-stage business growth
  rather than:
• Early startup incubation alone.

The platform combines elements of:

• Entrepreneurship foundation
• Leadership education organization
• Peer learning network
• Economic development resource.

Organizational Philosophy and Messaging

The foundation consistently emphasizes:

• Entrepreneurship as an economic engine
• Peer learning and collaboration
• Leadership growth and resilience
• Long-term business sustainability
• Community and ecosystem development.

Its broader philosophy reflects the idea that:

• Entrepreneurs are essential to economic growth and benefit most from supportive communities, practical learning, and strong peer relationships.