Emma Allen is active in the Charlotte, NC chapter of EO Accelerator, which empowers first-stage entrepreneurs with the tools, community and accountability necessary to catapult their business to the next level. EO staff member Cydney Melton asked Emma about her experience.

After experiencing insurance and financial services businesses take advantage of people she cared for, State Farm agent owner Emma Allen knew she would go into that industry to support her community.

In 2013, Allen went into business in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She quickly realized it was a difficult place for her to succeed, since she built her network roots in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2018, she moved her business to Charlotte and has seen significant improvements since.

Emma Allen State Farm offers a variety of insurance services, mortgages, investment planning and 401K rollovers.

Even though Allen was finding success with her business approach, she knew she could do more if she joined EO Accelerator.

“I knew that if we scaled up, we’d have the opportunity to influence and impact even more people in a positive way, but I needed to take the time to do that,” Allen explained. “It is difficult to do, but EO Accelerator forces me to step away and take the time to focus on growth.”

Since joining EO Accelerator in Charlotte, Allen said she enjoys having a community of other entrepreneurs to bounce ideas and challenges off of.