The Northwest Entrepreneur Network (NWEN) is planning to put operations on hold, pending what a board member with the non-profit organization calls a “major restructuring.”
“The story is far from over when it comes to NWEN and we do have some exciting prospects when it comes to delivering and expanding on our mission,” said Rebecca Lovell, a board member at NWEN and former executive director of the organization. “The board is bullish on our unique value in the community and deeply committed to entrepreneurs who start small and think big.”
Former TEDxSeattle organizer Barrie Cohen was named NWEN’s executive director on Nov. 4, taking over for Lovell, who had returned to serve as NWEN’s interim executive director. That followed the departure of executive director Daniel Rossi, who left to become chief business officer at GeekWire. (Lovell previously served as chief business officer at GeekWire.)
Founded in 1985, NWEN supports local entrepreneurs and startups with events like the First Look Forum, Entrepreneur University and several other programs.
Lovell declined to offer more details about what’s ahead for the organization, which she said is going on “hiatus” for the time being. “I can’t say more than that about the future other than that we are in some exciting discussions and invite the community to stay tuned to our website for updates,” she said.
The Puget Sound Business Journal reported the news earlier today, saying that NWEN will cease operations on Dec. 31, and move out of its home at the Impact Hub building in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood.
