Alliance & networking groups
■ B2BN
Meets: Every second and fourth Wednesday from 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Description: A non-compete, proactive, serious-minded referral group
focused on B2B members
Membership view: Owners, trusted advisors or professionals with over two years in
their current position
Open for new members: Non-compete
■ Connections
Meets: First and Third Tuesday every month from 8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Description: Connections strives to
1) Support fellow group members through
education and resources.
2) Build trusted business and personal relationships. 3) Become advisors
and challenge members to play big. 4) Cultivate and connect referrals to group members. Our values are
Resourcefulness, Leadership, & Community.
Open for new members: Compete Group
■ Diversity Alliance
Meets: Once monthly
Description: To provide minority entrepreneurs opportunities of connecting with fellow
business owners, potential clients, mentors, and business contacts, all of whom will help take their
business to the next level.
Open for new members: Compete Group
■ Schaumburg Referral Exchange
Meets: Every Wednesday at 7:30 AM
Description: A non-compete, proactive group of business professionals whose objective
is to provide a weekly networking program to generate new business through referrals from fellow
members.
Open for new members: Non-compete
■ The FOCUS Group
Meets: First and third Thursday of every month at 7:30 AM
Description: A non-compete group of business professionals dedicated
to providing high-quality introductions that will grow our member businesses. We emphasize professional
development and accountability along with business support through group discussions. Our primary focus
and passion is to make certain our members receive the highest quality introductions to grow their
business and strengthen their network.
Membership view: Business owners, executives, experienced sales
Open for new members: Non-compete
■ Schaumburg Business Builders
Meets: Every other Thursday from
11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Description: A non-compete group that makes networking a positive, rewarding and fun
experience by building relationships between members.
Open for new members: Non-compete
■ Networking for Introverts
Meets: First and Third Tuesday from
7:30 AM-8:30 AM
Description: One study shows that up to 40% of people are introverts. Learn from each
other and experts on how to grow your business and professional contacts with the goal of matching your
strengths and interests to make networking enjoyable.
Open for new members: Compete Group
■ Non-Profit Alliance
Meets: Third Friday of every month
Description: This group is dedicated to enriching the local non-profit community by
cultivating long-lasting relationships and driving relevant resources for successful growth.
Open for new Non-Profit Members: Compete Group
■ POP: Power of Partnerships
Meets: First and third Friday of every month, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Description: Our goal is to progressively build long-lasting relationships and
maximize our outcomes in order to continue to grow our own and other’s businesses. We aspire to
serve our community by assisting nonprofit organizations in the vision and mission of their causes.
Open for new members: Non-compete
■ Real Estate Alliance
Meets: Second Wednesday of every month, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, Weber Grill,
Schaumburg
Description: Our mission is to connect real estate professionals, including
agents, brokers, investors, developers, and service providers, to foster meaningful relationships,
exchange knowledge, and create opportunities for growth and success. Through a combination of networking
events, educational workshops, and industry resources, the group aims to empower its members and elevate
the standards of professionalism in the real estate sector. Core values are Collaboration, Innovation,
and Education.
Open for new members: Compete Group
■ Wellness Connection
Meets: Quarterly
Description: The Wellness Connection supports business owners, solopreneurs, and
corporate professionals. We believe personal wellness is a core business strategy because leaders who
are mentally clear, physically supported and emotionally steady make better decisions, build stronger
teams and create more sustainable businesses.
The Wellness Connection helps members stay focused, energized and grounded through expert learning and
meaningful connection so they don't just keep going, they thrive.
Open for new members: Compete Group
■ Young Professionals
Meets: New Group forming late 2026 call SBA office for details.
Description: An ambitious and diverse group of young professionals connected by the
Schaumburg Business Association with the purpose of creating relationships, enhancing professional
skills, and engaging civically. Creating the business leaders for the future.
Group is geared towards individuals with less than 10 years in their career.
Open for new members: Compete Group
At a time when the Village of Schaumburg celebrates its 70th anniversary, and the Schaumburg Business
Association (SBA) marks 25 years of service, the organization is embracing a moment of reflection,
momentum, and forward-looking growth.
Already a powerful economic engine in the community, the SBA is raising the bar even higher this year
with initiatives focused on supporting local businesses, strengthening community visibility, and
deepening engagement among business leaders.
“Our theme this year is elevation,” said SBA President Andrea Biwer. “That elevation
comes from our businesses. They are our backbone and the reason we’re all here. As we celebrate 25
years, we’re honoring our history while continuing to build for the future.”
That future is being shaped by strong momentum across Schaumburg’s business community.
“We’ve experienced tremendous growth,” Biwer said. “We’re now approaching
900 businesses in our network, following the addition of more than 248 new member companies in
2025.”
That growth is visible not only in membership numbers, but also on the street through an increase in
ribbon cuttings, business expansions, and new openings throughout the community.
“There’s an incredible energy right now,” Biwer said. “We’re celebrating
new businesses, supporting existing ones, and seeing firsthand the continued investment in
Schaumburg.”
With that momentum comes a renewed focus on connection—both between members and with the broader
community.
A key strategy this year is enhancing digital storytelling through video. The SBA is expanding its use
of multimedia to highlight member businesses, showcase events, and increase visibility across social
platforms.
“We’re bringing more of our members and experiences to life through video,” Biwer
explained. “It’s about sharing their stories in a way that reaches people where they
are.”
A centerpiece of that effort is the Schaumburg Speaks podcast, which provides a platform for members to
share insights, milestones, and perspectives from their businesses.
“The goal is simple, to amplify the voices of our members,” Biwer said. “Schaumburg
is an incredible community, and our businesses have amazing stories to tell.”
Originally introduced in 2024, the podcast has since evolved to include a full video format, expanding
its reach across Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
Another signature initiative is the SBA’s Small Brick Business Appreciation event. It’s
what Biwer describes as a late-summer “all-star sales blitz” focused on outreach and
gratitude.
“This is truly a feet-on-the-street effort,” she said. “Last year, more than 90
member volunteers connected with over 900 local businesses, thanking them for being part of Schaumburg
and sharing available resources from both the Village and the SBA. At its core, it’s about
appreciation.”
That outreach culminated in a Business After Hours celebration at a Schaumburg Boomers game and
resulted in approximately 30 new businesses joining the association.
The SBA is also continuing to convene timely, relevant conversations. In 2025, the organization hosted
legislators to discuss tariffs and their impact on business. This year, the focus turns to the midterm
elections through the lens of the “three B’s”, business, budget, and Bears, reflecting
ongoing interest in economic policy and the potential relocation of the Chicago Bears.
In addition, the “Made in Schaumburg” video series, which was developed in partnership with
the Village of Schaumburg and aligned with Manufacturing Month in October, will spotlight local
manufacturers and their contributions.
“We’re highlighting the makers in Schaumburg who are creating products that truly make a
difference,” Biwer said.
Across all of these efforts, the SBA’s mission remains clear: to foster connection, growth, and
opportunity within the local business community, especially during this milestone year.
“It gives people a sense of purpose and belonging,” Biwer
said. “It’s not
just about meeting other business leaders, it’s about personal and professional growth, and being
part of something bigger.”
That commitment continues to drive the organization forward.
“As Schaumburg celebrates 70 years and the SBA marks 25, this is truly a moment of
momentum,” Biwer added. “We are dedicated to fostering economic growth and
prosperity—and helping our business community thrive for the next 25 years and beyond.”
