The South Side Entrepreneurs Association (SSEA) was founded in 2004 by a small group of entrepreneurs who wanted to build an organization that would support and develop entrepreneurs on the South Side of Syracuse, NY.   By spring 2005, a growing group of entrepreneurs was meeting monthly to network and share ideas.  In 2006, the SSEA was incorporated and in 2007 it filed paperwork with the URS to be recognized as 501(c)(6), not-for-profit corporation.  In October 2006, by-laws were adopted which led to the SSEA becoming a member organization.   

Those involved in the founding and initial organizing of the SSEA included:

• Harriette McDowell
• Robert Hollis
• Craig Watters
• Constance Gregory, J.D.
• Jeanette McCarthy
• Leo Howington
• Jill Hurst-Wahl

 At the end of 2006, a new Board of Directors was voted into office.  The current (2007 - 2008) Board members are: 

• Joe Anderson, Secretary
• Naqia Edwards, Vice President
• Ron Ehrenreich
• Robert Hollis
• Jill Hurst-Wahl, President
• Carol Perry
• Judy Turner, Treasurer
• Craig Watters
• Amatullah Yamini