* Two organizations with a tradition of entrepreneurial support reach out to small businesses to ensure innovation, economic growth and job creation * Accelerator Program's quarterly seminar modules focus on developing People, Funding Sources, Sales & Revenue and Strategy * Following the Detroit kickoff, Accelerator Program will launch in EO chapters in November in New Orleans, Vancouver, B.C., Charlotte, N.C. and Minneapolis/St. Paul FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mercedes-Benz Financial and the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) are teaming up to help support entrepreneurs in the early stages of their start-ups in Metro Detroit and other North American cities in 2006 and 2007. The national kickoff of the Accelerator Program for first stage entrepreneurs launched this week in Farmington Hills, Mich., with the first quarterly all-day seminar for 15 first-stage entrepreneurs from the region whose diverse start-up businesses range from automotive interiors to a swimming school, from an Internet message board reading service to a restoration construction firm. "We are very excited about the opportunity to help EO mentor new entrepreneurs through the crucial early stages of their start-up ventures," said Juergen Rochert, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Financial. "These innovative business people will create jobs and stimulate economic development in their communities throughout North America." Following the Detroit area kickoff, the Accelerator Program will launch in the following cities next month: New Orleans, Nov. 2; Vancouver, B.C., Nov. 8; Charlotte, N.C., Nov. 9; and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nov. 15. In 2007, the Accelerator Program will launch in Los Angeles, Boston, Dallas, St. Louis, Denver, Mexico City and New York. "The Accelerator Program was developed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, to help them survive and grow in the start-up phase of their businesses," said Dan Glisky, President and founder of Compsat, an information storage technology firm in Southfield, Mich., and EO Global Chair of Accelerator Program. "This is a way to reach out to support budding entrepreneurs during those crucial early years of a start-up business. An entrepreneur alone is an entrepreneur at risk." In New Orleans, Neil Sus, a start-up entrepreneur post-Katrina, said he is excited about participating in the Accelerator Program. "I am looking forward to learning more about hiring employees and growing my business," he said. The New Orleans market will have 15 post-Katrina first-stage entrepreneurs participating in the Accelerator Program. Kevin Langley, EO New Orleans Accelerator Program Chair, who runs Ellis Construction, is hoping this initiative spurs economic development in New Orleans. "The Accelerator Program here is about established entrepreneurs helping new entrepreneurs through mentorship, networking, and the sharing of ideas that ultimately will help bring back our local economy," Langley said. About Mercedes-Benz Financial Mercedes-Benz Financial provides financing for Mercedes-Benz dealers' inventories and their retail customers. Currently, 350,000 drivers in the United States enjoy the benefits of leasing or financing their Mercedes-Benz vehicles through Mercedes-Benz Financial, which is part of DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas LLC. DCFSA's group of companies operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and South America. DCFSA is part of the DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Group, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, which operates in 39 countries and has an employee base close to 11,000 and a global portfolio of approximately $147 billion. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Group is one of the leading financial services enterprises worldwide. For more information visit http://www.mercedesbenzfinancial.com/ About the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) -- for entrepreneurs only -- is a global community that enriches members' lives through direct peer-to-peer learning, connections to experts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and stronger communities. EO is comprised of more than 6,400 members in more than 40 countries, with an average member age of 38 and average annual revenue of $13 million. The organization is committed to building the world's most influential community of entrepreneurs. For more information, or to apply for membership, visit http://www.eonetwork.org/ or call (703) 519-6700. For more information on the Accelerator Program visit: http://www.accelerator.eonetwork.org/ DATASOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Financial CONTACT: Jack Ferry, Mercedes-Benz Financial, Cell: +1-248-761-3233, ; Aislinn Raedy, Entrepreneurs' Organization, +1-703-837-6095, ; or Michael Geylin, Kermish-Geylin, +1-201-750-3533, Web site: http://www.mercedesbenzfinancial.com/ http://www.eonetwork.org/ http://www.accelerator.eonetwork.org/

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