The McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte reflects the vitality of Charlotte’s strong entrepreneurial spirit. The Entrepreneurial Leadership Circle (ELC) is a group of entrepreneurs who have embraced the McColl School by providing support and counsel to its leadership, students and faculty. Its goal is to provide a link between the McColl School and the resources of the vibrant Charlotte business community. 

The group is intimate by design, with membership limited to 100 of the leading entrepreneurs in the city. Its impact, however, is far-reaching.

ELC programs include an annual member reception and dinner at Quail Hollow Club, featuring a CEO of a major company in our region. This fall, we heard from Hugh L. McColl Jr., former chairman and CEO of Bank of America, and co-founder of the ELC. In addition to this intimate dinner, we also feature a panel of entrepreneurs at our annual "War Stories" event, featuring a lively group of individuals who share their struggles and triumphs in building their own businesses.

The ELC also now offers quarterly Business Briefings, facilitated by Dr. Chuck Bamford, focused on "hot topics" around entrepreneurship. The sessions, which can cost upwards of $500 through an external training or consulting course, are complimentary to ELC members and provide applications that members can begin using immediately in their businesses.

Last year, the ELC introduced its quarterly Networking Luncheons, held at various restaurants and venues in the Charlotte area. These gatherings offer our members a chance to get to know one another, make strong business contacts, meet prospective ELC members, etc. In addition to the networking and lunch, Dr. Chuck Bamford also leads a more formal discussion among the group having to do with some of the recent news in the world of entrepreneurship.

Additionally, ELC members are invited to exclusive McColl School events, such as the Leaders in Action Lecture Series, EMBA Leadership Forums and the Queens Learning Society Speaker Series. Members also have the opportunity to attend various community events, including the annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards gala and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Awards, as McColl School guests.

While we have strong programs for members, our most important impact is achieved through our sponsorship of fellowships for McColl School students. Each year, we award more than eight students with tuition assistance who demonstrate an aptitude and concentration in entrepreneurship and many of whom launch their own ventures as a result of our support. ELC members also mentor, provide leadership coaching, lecture in class and participate in case studies. Through this outreach, McColl students receive real-world advice from the top entrepreneurs in the Charlotte region. 

This is a time of dynamic growth for the McColl School of Business. The Entrepreneurial Leadership Circle is proud to be a part of that success. 

Sincerely,

Melissa McGuire
Chair, Entrepreneurial Leadership Circle
Director, Sherpa LLC