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Apply for CEO Next

The next class of CEO Next begins soon!

CEO Next is a group-learning opportunity that provides practical tools and techniques for CEOs and business leaders and is designed specifically for growing regional businesses looking to work with peers and take a fresh look at their growing businesses.

Business owners with 10 or more employees, and revenue of $1 million or more that are looking to transition from a small to large business are encouraged to apply. It's a space where these successful leaders can discuss the shared challenges of scale and dig into their business with deep research.

CEO Next alum Anissa Keys, founder and CEO of Aruba Emotional Health, said it was a valuable way to connect with equal peers.

“The cohorts are really the only spaces where I can be around other business owners who really have been able to bring their businesses to that second level,” said Keyes.

Alum Kristen Denzer, founder and CEO of Spanish-emersion daycare Tierra Encantada, said the lessons and conversations she had five years ago in CEO Next were invaluable.

“The combined knowledge of everyone in CEO Next was so valuable. There were a lot of people that have been through different things and can give you some perspective on something that you might not have thought of,” said Denzer.

If you are a CEO of a second-stage business looking to grow into regional and national markets, learn more about this opportunity.

Applications for CEO Next are accepted on a rolling basis. To express interest in this opportunity, complete this short form. Program staff will follow up with next steps. 

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