Frequently Asked Questions — Elite Business Connections

Elite Business Connections is a referral-based, category-exclusive networking group based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We meet weekly to build trusted relationships so members can confidently recommend one another and grow their businesses through intentional referrals.

We are intentionally keeping the group to a maximum of 30 active, engaged members and recruiting for a balanced mix of categories so members regularly have opportunities to refer one another.

EBC is open to business owners and professionals who are committed to building genuine relationships, learning other members’ businesses, and looking for opportunities to make introductions.

Membership is category-exclusive (only one professional per business category). Applications are considered only when a seat is available under the 30-member cap and the requested category is open. Every prospect is evaluated on reputation, reliability, compatibility, and willingness to participate.

We meet every Tuesday from 7:15 AM to 8:30 AM at the NIBCA Conference Room, located at 1928 N. Fourth Street, Coeur d’Alene, ID.

Annual membership is $250, due at joining and on your membership anniversary date. The fee is non-refundable. Membership is activated only after dues are paid and onboarding is complete.

Members are expected to attend weekly meetings consistently and participate. Missing three meetings in a quarter, or two consecutive meetings, may result in an automatic leave of absence. The member is removed from the directory, the category may open, and returning requires reapplication.

Standing in the group is based on attendance, participation, professionalism, and contribution to the referral culture—not on required one-to-ones or referral quotas. One-to-one meetings are strongly encouraged.

A qualified guest is a prospective member who could potentially fill an open category. Members who cannot attend may send a qualified guest or substitute; this can count as an excused absence under the attendance policy. Guests are welcome to visit and experience the group before applying.

A referral is a qualified introduction you make for another member when you recognize that someone’s needs match their services.

A one-to-one is a scheduled meeting between two members to learn each other’s businesses in depth—who they serve, what makes a strong referral, and how to recognize opportunities. One-to-ones are how members move from knowing a name to knowing when to recommend someone.

Membership is a short, fair process designed to protect the trust already in the room. Applications are considered only when a seat is available and the category is open.

1. Visit at least one Tuesday meeting before applying.
2. Submit an application with your name/contact information, business, requested category, and a clear description of the services you offer. An application is a request, not acceptance.
3. Category review by leadership. Overlaps with existing protected categories are resolved with the applicant and sitting member (sometimes by narrowing the category).
4. Presentation to membership. Concerns are limited to category conflict, reputation, reliability, willingness to participate, or conduct that would affect trust.
5. Vote by active members. Two-thirds of those voting. The applicant is not present. Votes and discussions remain confidential.
6. Activation after dues are paid and onboarding is complete.
7. If declined, the applicant is notified respectfully with no disclosure of individual votes or comments. They may reapply later if a seat and the category are open.

See the Join Us page and the article How Membership Works for full details.

Once activated, you are listed in the member directory, your category is protected, and you begin attending weekly meetings with full rights and responsibilities. You will schedule one-to-ones, learn other members’ businesses, and start looking for opportunities to make introductions. You also gain access to the group’s private communications and referral tracking.

Yes—and visiting at least one meeting is required before you apply. Prospective members are welcome as guests. It’s the best way to see the room, let the room see you, and decide whether these are relationships you want to build.

The process exists so members can recommend one another without wondering whether the person who just joined will follow through. It is not a popularity contest. It is a credibility filter that protects trust, compatibility, and the exclusive categories.

We are capping the group at 30 active, engaged members. Quality and a balanced mix of categories take priority over filling every seat.

Current members and their categories are listed in the member directory. Open categories are those not yet represented. Applications are only accepted for open categories when a seat is available under the 30-member cap.