Resources for Second Stage Entrepreneurs

You’ve built a successful business. Now comes a different set of challenges — strengthening your leadership team, finding new paths to growth, navigating complexity and positioning your company for what comes next.

Burton D. Morgan Foundation provides second-stage entrepreneurs with access to high-quality programs, peer learning and other resources designed specifically for established, growth-oriented businesses. Through partnerships with leading organizations, we help Northeast Ohio business leaders gain practical tools, fresh perspectives and connections that can support continued growth.

Is your company second stage?

Second-stage companies are privately owned, growth-oriented businesses that typically have:

  • $1 million to $50 million in annual revenue
  • 10 or more employees
  • an established product or service and customer base
  • an ambition to continue growing

These companies are sometimes called scaleups because they have moved beyond the startup stage and are focused on scaling the business.

Explore Second-Stage Opportunities

Scalerator NEO

Scalerator NEO is a six-month growth program for leadership teams of established companies ready to accelerate growth. Launched in 2017 by Burton D. Morgan Foundation in partnership with the Richard J. Fasenmyer Foundation, the program focuses on practical strategies companies can put to work immediately.

Scalerator serves companies with approximately $3 million to $15 million in annual sales and is built around the challenges leaders face as their businesses become larger and more complex.

Learn More

Edward Lowe Foundation Suite of Programs

Through our partnership with Edward Lowe Foundation, eligible second-stage entrepreneurs can participate in a range of programs designed around the needs of growing companies and their leaders.

Opportunities include peer learning, leadership development, retreats and other targeted experiences, offered both virtually and at Edward Lowe Foundation’s Big Rock Valley campus in Cassopolis, Michigan.

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Second Stage Networking & Learning Series

Burton D. Morgan Foundation is hosting a series of events in collaboration with MAGNET in 2026 for second stage entrepreneurs and small businesses.  These events and others are listed chronologically on our Events webpage as they are scheduled. 

August 26 – Networking & Learning Social
Location: Michael Angelo's Winery, 5515 Broadview Rd, Richfield, 
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Join us for an evening of networking and connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks while exploring opportunities and resources designed specifically for second stage companies.

Register

November 4 – Breakfast Learning Program
Location: MAGNET, 1800 E. 63rd St., Cleveland
Time:  7:30 - 9:00 am

Access to capital is a critical component of business growth, but venture capital is only one of many funding options available to entrepreneurs. Join Jeffrey Stern of the OHIO Fund for a discussion on the capital landscape for second-stage companies, including an overview of the OHIO Fund and the various ways it supports Ohio businesses.

This session will explore different pathways to funding, considerations for choosing the right capital strategy, and resources available to help companies grow. Whether you are actively seeking investment or simply looking to better understand your options, you'll gain practical insights and have the opportunity to engage directly with an experienced capital provider.

Register

To learn more about Burton D. Morgan Foundation’s second stage programming, contact Michal Marcus.