Become a Member of Elite Business Connections

A stylized tree graphic illustrating business network growth, with interconnected nodes along its branches featuring diverse business professionals shaking hands, networking icons, and growth symbols, set against a teal and blue gradient background.

Grow Your Business by Growing a Network

At Elite Business Connections, we look for growth-minded professionals who are as committed to helping others succeed as they are to building their own businesses.

If you take ownership of your client relationships, are willing to refer fellow members, and want to consistently connect with high-integrity professionals, EBC may be a good fit.

We are building a balanced group of up to 30 active, engaged members. Each business category is exclusive. Applications are considered only when a seat is available under that cap and the requested category is open.

Membership Details

  • Annual membership fee: $250 (due at joining and on your anniversary date). Membership is non-refundable.
  • Category exclusive: Only one professional per business category.
  • Group size: Up to 30 active members.
  • Applications: Considered only when a seat is available and the category is open. If the category is filled, we will say so clearly. A strong fit may be placed on a waiting list for that category.

You can see which categories are already filled in the member directory.

What Membership Asks

Once activated, members are expected to:

  • Build genuine relationships and learn other members’ businesses, including what makes a qualified referral
  • Look for opportunities to make introductions
  • Attend weekly meetings consistently (Tuesdays, 7:15–8:30 a.m.)
  • Participate and contribute to the group’s referral culture
  • Follow up promptly and professionally
  • Provide service others can confidently recommend

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.

One-to-one meetings are encouraged. They are how members move from knowing a name to knowing when to recommend someone. Standing in the group is based on attendance, participation, professionalism, and contribution to the referral culture—not on quotas for one-to-ones or referrals.

Circular graphic representing business membership expectations, featuring central tree roots connecting nodes for relationships, one-to-one growth, attendance at 7:15 AM, active contribution, and follow-up service.

How to Join

Membership is not a signup form that turns into a seat. It is a short, fair process designed to protect the trust already in the room.

  1. Visit at least one Tuesday meeting.
    See the room. Let the room see you. Meetings are Tuesdays, 7:15–8:30 a.m., at the NIBCA Conference Room, 1928 N Fourth Street, Coeur d’Alene.
  2. Submit an application.
    Include your name and contact information, your business, the category you are requesting, and a clear description of the services you offer. An application is a request. It is not acceptance.
  3. Category review by leadership.
    Leadership compares the request with categories already protected. If there is overlap, we work it out with the applicant and the sitting member. Sometimes the right answer is a narrower category. Sometimes the right answer is no.
  4. Presentation to membership.
    Members may raise concerns that matter to referral trust: category conflict, reputation, reliability, willingness to participate, or conduct that would weaken the table. Preference, popularity, and “I already know another person in that trade” are not the standard. Sensitive issues may be raised privately with leadership.
  5. Vote by active members.
    Two-thirds of those voting. The applicant is not in the room. Ballots may be secret. Votes and discussions stay confidential.
  6. Activation.
    Membership begins after dues are paid and onboarding is complete. Then the directory listing goes up, the category is protected, and the attendance policy applies. Full rights and responsibilities begin at activation.
  7. If declined.
    We notify the applicant respectfully. We do not share individual votes or comments. A person may reapply later if a seat and the category are open.

This process is not a popularity contest. It exists so members can recommend one another without wondering whether the person who just joined will follow through. The guiding principle is to protect trust, compatibility, and credibility.

Not Ready to Apply Yet?

Come visit us as a guest and experience EBC for yourself. You’ll see how the group works and whether these are relationships you want to build. Guests are welcome. Contact us through the website or ask a current member to bring you.

Questions? Reach out or introduce yourself at a Tuesday morning meeting.