Council for Entrepreneurial Development is a private, nonprofit organization formed in 1984 to identify, enable and promote high growth and impact entrepreneurial companies, and to accelerate the entrepreneurial culture of North Carolina. With more than 4,000 active members representing over 1,000 companies, the council is one of the largest entrepreneurial support organizations in the United States. Council for Entrepreneurial Development provides an interactive forum for entrepreneurs, investors, service professionals, academicians, researchers and public policy makers. It helps entrepreneurs in a wide range of industries and at all stages of development. Council for Entrepreneurial Development achieves its mission by providing programs and services in four major areas that include education, capital formation, mentoring and communications. More than 8,000 entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and service providers participate in its programs annually. Companies that have benefited from the council s programs and services include Red Hat, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, LendingTree, Ganymede Software, and OpenSite Technology. Council for Entrepreneurial Development is located in Durham, N.C.