About us.
Our Mission Statement:
The CBC is organized for the purpose of professional networking among its members, a continuing interest in and support of the professional growth, education, and well-being of said members.
What makes us different?
There are a plethora of networking groups in and around Chicago. We pride ourselves on driving results without getting lost in the numbers.
We offer our unique skillsets and offerings as a resource to one another, we make meaningful introductions to fellow members, and we share referrals with them.
But we do not hold members accountable for a set number of referrals and closed business. Rather, we foster the organic growth of real friendship and celebrate our collective wins – which we find results in natural shared business we can feel good about!
What Members have to say
“Newfound family”
CBC is more than just helping you grow your business. This group has been great for helping me build my network. I have gained colleagues, strategic partners, and friends who have become part of my newfound family. It has proven to be a positive and supportive group of people who helped me and my business through a pandemic. I feel a sense of belonging every meeting!
— Cody Shipp
“Outstanding Pizza”
It’s so refreshing to be part of a group where we aren’t just repeating our elevator pitch and hoping someone will bite. I have gotten to know several members both inside and outside meetings, and those friendships have developed into mutual referrals because we actually like one another and want to be ambassadors for our fellow Members.
Oh, and we often meet at Pizzeria Serio – and their pizza is outstanding. 😉
— Jeffrey Johnson
How to join
Membership is limited to one member per industry/specialty.
1. Prospective Members are required to attend 2 meetings as Guests before applying.
2. Applicants meet with one or more members of the Management Committee and receive a copy of our by-laws to review.
3. Current Members vote whether or not to grant Membership.
4. New Members are required to pay initiation dues ($200).
Membership Requirements
We meet bi-weekly on Wednesdays.
Meetings are divided into five 2-month blocks (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr etc.).
We take extended breaks during July and over the year-end holidays.
Meetings follow a rotation between 3 virtual and 1 in-person (virtual, virtual, virtual, in-person).
Virtual meetings are at noon, in-person meetings are at 6pm (location varies).
*Members are required to attend 80% of group meetings annually.
15
Virtual Meetings
Conducted over Zoom on every other Wednesday at noon (40-60 min.) to discuss regular business.
5
In-Person Meetings
Every couple months we gather together for regular business over food and drinks (1-2 hours).
5
1-on-1 Meetings
Members are required to meet with another member individually during each session at their convenience, either virtually or in person.
2
Semiannual Parties
We will work with you to create a personalised plan to help you achieve your financial goals.
History of CBC
2018
Chicago Business Collective was founded in the Fall of 2018 by Chicago Realtor Cody Shipp. The group began as a collection of half a dozen business owners loosely connected through the real estate and domestic services industries on Chicago’s north side. The group met bi-weekly at various locations including Andersonville’s Fireside Restaurant to share business leads among a trusted network. It soon became clear that this group provided value to its members beyond networking.
2020
When Covid hit in early 2020, our group shifted virtually with the rest of the world. Our bi-weekly meetings became not just an opportunity to share leads but to share experiences that helped shape, inform, and guide all of our responses to the chaotic world at that time.
2021
Around the Fall of 2021 our group began to expand and grow under the leadership of President Grant Bosnich. We created by-laws and established a management committee. Grant helped formalize our move from a group of professionals to Chicago Business Collective.
2022
Upon that solid foundation, the group continued to grow under President Jeffrey Johnson, nearly doubling in size in 2022 alone.
2023
2023 saw the adoption of several amendments to our by-laws updating our meeting schedule structure, election process, and attendance policies. We evolve as necessary to ensure we remain relevant and effective.
At our core, we are a collection of professionals dedicated to supporting each other – in whatever form that support is needed. As our group continues to grow, we look for ways to continue to add value for Members.
Interested in joining?
- Network with a diverse group of professionals.
- Showcase your expertise to an active group of local peers.
- Share resources to expand your reach.
- Enjoy the camaraderie that happens when the emphasis is not just on sales but on building relationships.
