Volunteer with CVBO

Empowering veterans. Elevating business. Building community—together.

The Chicagoland Veteran Business Owners Group (CVBO) is building a stronger ecosystem for veteran-owned businesses across the greater Chicago area. We can’t do it alone. Volunteers help us run events, spread the word, grow membership, and build partnerships that move real resources to veteran entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or an ally who believes in veteran-owned businesses, there’s a place for you on the CVBO volunteer team.

Why Volunteer with CVBO?

When you volunteer with CVBO, you become part of a mission-driven team focused on helping veteran business owners connect, grow, and thrive. Your time and talents translate directly into stronger businesses, stronger families, and stronger neighborhoods.

As a CVBO volunteer, you can:

• Be a leader in the veteran entrepreneur community where you live or work.

• Expand your network with business owners, community partners, and supporters across Chicagoland.

• Make a tangible impact by helping veterans access resources, customers, and opportunities.

• Develop new skills in events, marketing, fundraising, outreach, and relationship-building.

• Give back while staying connected to the spirit of service.

Time commitment is flexible. You can start small and gradually increase your involvement based on your schedule and interests.

Ways You Can Help

We’re looking for volunteers in five key areas. You can choose one main focus or help in more than one area over time.

Events

Help us create welcoming, high-impact gatherings for veteran business owners.

Event volunteers may:

• Support setup and breakdown for in-person events and workshops.

• Greet attendees, assist with check-in, and help people feel connected.

• Manage name tags, materials, and light logistics during events.

• Capture simple photos or short video clips for later use in marketing.

If you like being in the room where things are happening and enjoy face-to-face interaction, Events is a great fit.

Marketing

Help us tell the CVBO story and reach more veteran-owned businesses and supporters.

Marketing volunteers may:

• Share upcoming events and success stories on social media.

• Help draft short emails, posts, or flyers using CVBO templates.

• Update or organize content for the website or email list.

• Collect stories and testimonials from members and partners (with guidance).

If you enjoy communication, creativity, and online outreach, Marketing is for you.

Fundraising

Help power CVBO’s programs by connecting us with the resources we need to serve more veterans.

Fundraising volunteers may:

• Research potential sponsors, donors, and grant opportunities.

• Support outreach to businesses and individuals interested in investing in veteran entrepreneurship.

• Assist with simple donor follow-up and stewardship (thank-you notes, updates, etc.).

• Help with fundraising events or campaigns throughout the year.

If you’re comfortable talking about impact and value—or you’d like to build that skill—Fundraising is a meaningful way to serve.

Membership

Help more veteran business owners discover CVBO and get the most from their membership.

Membership volunteers may:

• Welcome new members and help them plug into events and resources.

• Assist with simple outreach to prospective members via email or social media.

• Help keep membership information organized and up to date.

• Support occasional member spotlights or introductions at events.

If you like meeting people and helping them feel like they belong, Membership is a natural fit.

Partnerships

Help us build strong relationships with organizations that serve and support veteran-owned businesses.

Partnership volunteers may:

• Help identify and connect with local, regional, and national partners that align with our mission.

• Support coordination with resource partners, veteran-serving agencies, and business organizations.chicagolandveteranbusinessowners+3

• Assist with keeping partner information and contacts organized.

• Help coordinate joint events, referrals, or resource-sharing efforts.

If you’re a connector who enjoys building bridges between organizations, Partnerships is a high-impact area.

Who Can Volunteer?

Anyone who cares about veteran-owned businesses is welcome to apply. You do not need to be a veteran.

You’re a great fit if you:

• Are you a veteran, military spouse/family member, or ally who wants to support veteran entrepreneurs?

• Enjoy connecting people, organizing details, or getting the word out.

• Can commit to showing up consistently, even if just a few hours a month.

• Believe that when veteran-owned businesses succeed, our whole region benefits.

We will work with you to match your interests, skills, and availability with the right volunteer opportunities.

How to Get Started

Getting involved is simple:

1. Choose your focus

   • Think about which areas fit you best: Events, Marketing, Fundraising, Membership, or Partnerships.

2. Submit the Volunteer Form

   • Fill out the CVBO Volunteer Interest Form with your background, skills, and availability.

3. Attend a brief welcome/orientation

   • We’ll walk you through our mission, programs, and how volunteers plug in.

4. Start with the first assignment

   • You might support an upcoming event, help with a small outreach project, or join a specific area team.

You’ll have clear guidance and ongoing support—no one is expected to figure it out alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a veteran to volunteer?
No. Veterans, military family members, and civilian allies are all welcome, as long as you share our commitment to supporting veteran-owned businesses.

How much time do I need to commit?
We’re flexible. Many volunteers start with just a few hours per month. We’ll work with you to find a level of involvement that fits your schedule.

Can I volunteer as part of a business or corporate group?
Yes. If your company or organization wants to support veteran-owned businesses as a team, we’d be happy to explore group volunteer and partnership opportunities.

Can I try it out before committing long-term?
Absolutely. You can start by helping with a single event or project and then decide if you’d like to get more involved.