Leadership Estero Class of 2026-2027
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce's leadership program seeks to introduce 14 Southwest Florida participants to the greater Estero community, its unique history, and the key issues impacting the area. The program runs from October to August and offers participants behind-the-scenes tours of local industries, discussions with community partners and leaders, and topic-based panels. Through this program, participants will develop lasting relationships, bolster their leadership skills and work collaboratively to serve the Greater Estero region.
The Leadership Estero class roster is limited to 14 participants, which will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. Classmates are required to attend all-day sessions on the following dates:
- October 9, 2026 – Leadership Estero Kickoff & Orientation , (If needed: hurricane make-up day would be October 16)
- November 20, 2026 – Estero Government & History Day
- January 22, 2027 – Education Day
- February 19, 2027 – Arts & Culture Day
- March 12, 2027 – Public Safety Day
- April 9, 2027 – Environment Day
- May 14, 2027 – Social Services Day
- June 11, 2027 – Healthcare Day
- July 16, 2027 – Tourism Day
- August 20, 2027 – (Half-day) Year-in-Review Session
Participants will graduate during the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Dinner in fall 2027, and they will be required to volunteer in support of EsteroFest on March 20, 2027.
The application window is open through August 28, 2026, and all classmates will be notified of their formal acceptance by August 31, 2026.
Tuition is $1,200 for members of the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce, or $1,550 for future members. Tuition is non-refundable and due in full by September 18, 2026.
If you have questions about this program, contact Sharon Van Rite at LeadershipEstero@gmail.com.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce's leadership program exists to introduce a broad range of Southwest Florida participants to the greater Estero community, its unique history, and the key issues impacting the area. The program runs from October to June each year, and it offers participants behind-the-scenes tours of local industries, discussion with community partners and leaders, topic-based panels. Through this program, participants develop lasting relationships, bolster their leadership skills and work collaboratively on a community project for the community.
This elite group of diverse business and community leaders are chosen annually from dozens of applicants who want to have a positive impact in their community and are committed to the demands of the 8-month program.
The support from our Southwest Florida business community empowers our mission to provide our participants with an understanding of the economic, social, and political forces impacting the greater Estero area, while exposing them to the opportunities and special demands that encourage their involvement.