About Growing Up CEO

Each year, Growing Up CEO celebrates the remarkable achievements of young men and women leading inner city companies across the country and around the world. Each year, twenty-five U.S. and five international outstanding young CEOs, all under the age of 21, are chosen as winners of this unique award. As Growing Up CEOs, these young leaders join a community where they can network, share best practices, and develop new ideas about entrepreneurship. 

Growing Up CEO winners are given the opportunity to advance their business excellence by attending the annual Inner City 100 Summit. During their two days in Boston, Massachusetts and at Harvard University, the Growing Up CEO winners are exposed to the Inner City 100, the 100 fastest growing companies in America’s inner cities, and have the opportunity to develop mentor relationships with current and previous Inner City 100 CEOs. They also access world class business education and advice by attending the CEO Forum at Harvard Business School, taught by HBS Professors including world renowned strategist Michael E. Porter. In addition, the Growing Up CEOs meet national business and civic leaders who in the past have included Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and former NFL Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson. Former President Bill Clinton recorded a video specifically for Growing Up CEO winners in 2006.