100 Club Has 40 Members! (General)

Our center recently launched an effort to raise operating funds for our center called the Disney Entrepreneur Center’s 100 Club. This idea came from a group of entrepreneurs who have been volunteering at our center from many years. They saw the need for us to broaden the base of financial support for our non-profit center, while increasing the business community input to our mission. The goal: find 100 community leaders who would donate $1000 each year to join in the funding of our efforts ...and in return we would limit this group to ONLY 100 members, provide some exclusive programming and some great networking and promotional opportunities.

We have already attracted 40 members! (that means only 60 spots left!) At our kick-off meeting Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resorts gave an inspiring talk on entrepreneurship and their importance to an innovative business environment and robust economy. From Walt Disney, as the ultimate entrepreneur, to the creative methods of Zappos Shoes, Meg gave our new initiative a great start, and we are extremely grateful for the support that she, and the entire Walt Disney World team provides to our ongoing efforts at the E-Center.

It is a tough economy for everyone, especially a non-profit organization who supports 13 other non-profit organizations! The 100 club members have provided a critical financial boost to our efforts in a very difficult time and I am amazed daily at the folks that are pitching in not only support our current efforts but to expand our efforts to serve the increasing demands for the services of our resident organizations.

Just another example of how our region is unique…cooperation, collaboration, and providing real support and not just lip service. That is why Entrepreneur Magazine referred to Orlando as “The Coordinator” when listing us as a “top 10 City of Starting a Business” in their August ’09 edition…

Thank you to all of those who support us through volunteering, coaching, referrals, sponsorship, and 100 club membership! We can’t do it without you!