Entrepreneurs’ Organization fosters growth and well-being for Australian SMEs

In Australia, entrepreneurship often presents a solitary experience for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners, yet the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) offers a significant community that fosters connection, support, and growth. With a global membership exceeding 20,000, including hundreds within Australia, EO provides a comprehensive platform combining business development and personal well-being resources designed to support entrepreneurs through the challenges of running a business.

EO’s offerings include confidential forums, peer mentorship, and structured programs such as the EO Accelerator, tailored for businesses generating annual revenues of $250,000 or more. These resources enable SME owners to exchange insights, address common challenges, and develop resilience in an environment that encourages openness and collaboration. This approach is particularly relevant given that the 2024 Founders Report found that 88% of entrepreneurs experience mental health challenges during their journey.

Through confidential forums, members discuss a variety of business issues in a safe space, covering topics from cash flow management to team dynamics. Peer mentorship connects less experienced entrepreneurs with those who have navigated similar paths, facilitating the sharing of practical knowledge derived from real-world successes and setbacks. Meanwhile, EO Accelerator offers a structured framework with workshops, strategic planning tools, and access to global best practices, aiding participants in scaling their operations effectively.

EO places a strong emphasis on personal well-being alongside business success, providing resources to help entrepreneurs manage stress and combat the isolation often associated with entrepreneurship. This holistic perspective nurtures entrepreneurs’ leadership abilities and fosters a community spirit that supports sustained business growth.

Members have attested to the organisation’s impact. Ash Woodcock, Founder of RPM Hire, spoke to Dynamic Business about his experience: “When I joined EO, our revenue sat at $6 million. This year, we’re tracking towards $50 million. That’s 800% growth over seven years — and we now operate nationally, not just in one state.” He elaborated on the breadth of EO’s influence, stating, “If you’re only considering EO for the business benefits, you’re missing out. True growth happens when you improve yourself, your business, and your family life all at once. The EO philosophy really proves that you can really improve all elements at once.”

Similarly, Jeremy Goldman, Founder of WAG, a natural dog treat brand, highlighted the organisation’s transformative effect: “Since joining EO nine years ago, we’ve transformed from a tiny team of three to a robust team of sixty. Every metric, from revenue and profitability to market reach, has significantly grown.” Goldman added, “EO has fundamentally shaped me as a leader. It’s given me the confidence to lead boldly, knowing that others have navigated the same paths before. The biggest lesson from EO is realising that you’re not alone in your journey.”

Prospective EO members must meet specific criteria, including ownership or majority stake in an established limited liability company (LLC) with a minimum annual revenue of $1 million USD in the most recent fiscal year. Venture-backed companies must have secured either $2 million in privately-raised funds or $5 million in publicly-raised funds, in addition to employing at least ten people.

The application process begins with submitting an online interest form and connecting with a local chapter representative. Candidates then complete a full application and participate in a member interview with their local chapter. Accepted applicants join an EO orientation session to familiarise themselves with the forums and available resources.

Membership requires a one-off initiation fee of $3,500, along with annual chapter dues that vary depending on the chapter and join date. Members are expected to uphold confidentiality, adhere to a non-solicitation policy, maintain a safe environment, and meet ethical and legal standards.

The effectiveness of EO’s community model is reflected in its members’ business performance data. Australian EO members report an average annual growth rate of 30%, leading to the doubling of their businesses roughly every three years. This growth rate significantly surpasses the national small business average of 3.7% per year or 11.5% over three years, based on the 2024 Xero Small Business Insights Australia Update. Consequently, EO members experience growth that is eight times faster and 935% higher than the national average.

EO Australia is currently undertaking a national study to investigate the connections between community support, well-being, and business performance, with the results anticipated in June 2025. The research aims to provide further insights into how belonging to a supportive community influences the success of SMEs in Australia and may inform future entrepreneurial initiatives.

For ongoing updates on entrepreneurship and EO activities in Australia, EO maintains a presence on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.