Join the CVBO

Built for Veterans. Backed by Community.

The Chicagoland Veteran Business Owners (CVBO) organization exists to empower veterans who are building, owning, or growing businesses. Whether you are running a side hustle, launching a startup, or leading a full-scale company, CVBO is here to support your journey as a veteran entrepreneur.

Membership is completely free. No fees. No red tape. Just community, connection, and real value.

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What You Gain As A Member

Our purpose-driven approach goes beyond conventional spreadsheet planning. We leverage advanced analytics and deep market understanding to remove hidden barriers to success and achieve your objectives more efficiently and effectively.

Connection with Veteran Entrepreneurs

CVBO is a growing network of veterans who understand the mindset, challenges, and drive it takes to run a business after military service. Members connect with other veteran business owners who share similar goals, experiences, and values. This is not just a place to trade business cards — it is a space to build lasting, mission-aligned relationships that can lead to partnerships, mentorships, and long-term growth.

Practical Business Education

We provide free and low-cost access to workshops, guest speakers, and educational sessions focused on what matters most to veteran entrepreneurs. Topics include business planning, marketing, finance, branding, legal considerations, and leveraging your veteran status for certifications and opportunities. Our goal is to help members gain the tools they need to run more effective, resilient businesses.

Business Networking Opportunities

From local meetups to larger professional events, CVBO members gain access to a calendar of veteran-focused networking opportunities. These events are designed to create meaningful conversations, highlight member businesses, and open the door to collaboration, clients, and community visibility.

A Public Business Directory

All CVBO members have the opportunity to be listed in our online Veteran-Owned Business Directory. This searchable directory helps connect the public, corporate partners, and other veterans with your business, increasing exposure, credibility, and access to new customers who want to support veteran-owned operations in the Chicagoland area.

Access to Resources and Referrals

Members benefit from curated resources, including grant opportunities, veteran-focused small business programs, partner organizations, and support services. Need help navigating a challenge or expanding your network? CVBO is designed to connect you to the right people and organizations who can help you move forward.

Visibility and Advocacy

CVBO promotes veteran-owned businesses through its digital platforms, events, campaigns, and community engagement. We educate the public on the value of supporting veteran entrepreneurs and actively advocate for hiring and buying from veterans at the local level. As a member, your business becomes part of that larger story.

Community that Understands You

At its core, CVBO is about belonging. We are grounded in service, fueled by entrepreneurial spirit, and committed to lifting each other up. This is a space where your military background is seen as an asset and your business goals are taken seriously. We are here to support each other — not just as business owners, but as veterans who continue to lead.

Who Can Join

CVBO membership is open to:

U.S. military veterans who own or operate a business in the Chicagoland area
Veteran solopreneurs, side hustlers, and independent professionals
Reservists and National Guard members who run or plan to launch a business
Retired service members entering entrepreneurship
Veteran-founded nonprofits, community initiatives, and mission-driven ventures

There are no minimum revenue requirements or business size restrictions. Whether you are just starting out or already established, you are welcome here.

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Why It Matters

Veteran-owned businesses bring discipline, problem-solving, leadership, and purpose to the local economy. But entrepreneurship can be isolating, especially when you are navigating it on your own.

CVBO exists to change that.

By joining, you become part of something bigger than yourself. A collective of veterans committed to building businesses, growing community impact, and supporting one another beyond the uniform.

Join For Free