Collaboration
Community
Consistency
WE BELIEVE IN:
The Madison Business Collective is a free in-person business networking group in Madison, WI. Everyone is welcome here - we are open to small business owners, creative side-hustlers, and anyone considering starting a business. We host two meet-ups per month at various locations around Madison. We also have occasional socials, volunteer opportunities, and other events. Our group is free, but we do ask that everyone fill out a membership form so we can easily share event updates, resources and referral opportunities with you!
A collective of entrepreneurs who value community over competition
All of our meet-ups are free, in-person events for small business owners or people who are about to start their small business. Our topics often focus on the creative side of running a business - marketing, messaging, content, social media, and more. These are collaborative, work-shop style meetings. Everyone is welcome to give their input and share their experiences. You can bring just yourself, your computer, a notebook, or whatever you need to get the most out of it! Each meeting has time for networking and socializing. RSVPs are highly encouraged, but not required.
upcoming networking events
(near madison, wi)
upcoming networking events (near madison, wi)
New members always welcome!
RSVP HERE
tuesday feb. 10, 2026 | 10:30AM - 12pm
Values & Visibility: Taking a Stance as a Small Business Owner
tuesday feb. 10, 2026
10:30AM - 12pm
Should you share your values publicly? How do you navigate politics, causes, and social issues as a business owner? Does it help or hurt your business? How can business owners create meaningful change in their communities?
RSVP HERE
thursday feb. 26, 2026 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Creating Superfans: Turning Customers Into Your Biggest Advocates
thursday feb. 26, 2026 10:30AM - 12pm
Why customer experience is your best marketing strategy, ideas you can implement today. Based on Brittany Hodak's framework for exceptional client experience, word-of-mouth marketing, and building loyalty that lasts.
RSVP HERE
tuesday march 10, 2026 | 10:30AM - 12pm
AI as Your Business Assistant (Not Your Replacement)
tuesday march 10, 2026
10:30AM - 12pm
Practical ways to use AI to save time while staying authentic - beyond just using Chat GPT. Bring your questions and AI experiences!
RSVP HERE
thursday march 26, 2026 | 10:30AM - 12PM
From Confusion to Conversion: Clarifying Your Marketing Message
thursday march 26, 2026 10:30AM - 12pm
Understanding what your customers are actually searching for, using their language in your marketing, and making it crystal clear what you do and who it's for.
RSVP HERE
tuesday april 14, 2026 | 10:30AM - 12pm
Website Tune-Up Lab: Simple Changes That Make a Big Impact
tuesday april 14, 2026
10:30AM - 12pm
Location TBD
Bring your laptop for optional website audits! We'll cover simple tweaks you can make to improve user experience, basic SEO tactics that actually work, and how to make sure your website is doing its job.
RSVP HERE
thursday april 30, 2026 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Less But Better: Focusing Your Business on What Actually Matters
thursday april 30, 2026 10:30AM - 12pm
Location TBD
Feeling pulled in a million directions? In this discussion, we'll talk about cutting out the noise, identifying your highest-impact activities, and creating space for what really drives your business forward.
join the email list
join the email list
We'll send you the latest event calendar and event reminders. This is the fastest way to find out about our next meetings!
Get the next event sent right to your inbox!
One of the fastest ways to grow in business is through consistency and action. We also believe networking groups are most effective if they are consistent. This is why we offer plenty of opportunities for meet ups. Members are encouraged to come to as many as they can to develop stronger connections and increase the chances of getting referrals.
Consistency
We believe in abundance - there is plenty of business to go around. Small businesses thrive in a supportive community, and it's important for small business owners to feel connected to one another. We support our local businesses whenever possible!
Community
We believe one of the best ways to learn and grow is by collaborating with others who are in the same boat, or are a few steps ahead! In this group, we learn from one another and give support (in knowledge and business) whenever we can.
Collaboration
our core values:
FAQs
This group is inclusive, and open to any person who is a small business owner, or an integral part of a small business. We also welcome people who are serious about starting their business, but curious what it looks like to be an entrepreneur. While we are open to all types of small businesses, our meetings are focused on connection and collaboration, rather than referrals. Most of our topics are geared towards marketing and the creative aspects of running a business. Members should be willing to learn and chat with other business owners - these are no-pitch, no-sales meetings.
Membership and meetings are free. We do ask that members fill out our simple membership form, so we can keep track of who is in the group and easily share meeting information, events, and referral opportunities. If you'd like to try a meeting first, please come to one of the upcoming meetings listed above!
We offer two meet-ups per month. Currently, they are on the second Tuesday and last Thursday of each month from 10:30am - 12pm. Locations are at various places around Madison and Madison's suburbs - coffee shops, meeting spaces, patios in the summer, etc. The dates and locations vary each month, so please check the upcoming events list for all of the information.
Or click here to receive event updates via email.
No, there is no need to prepare anything for our meetings! We do encourage that you introduce yourself and your business to the group, but it is a laid back atmosphere - and a great place to practice talking about your business if you're not used to it!
While we encourage referrals, we do not track referrals or force members to refer each other. Our members refer each other because they create a genuine connection. Members get to know each other's businesses really well when they show up consistently, which makes it easy to stay top of mind for referral opportunities!
You can fill out our simple membership form here, and you'll be added to the email list for all meeting updates. Otherwise, you can check this website for updates, or join the Facebook group here.
Not ready to become a member, but want to be in the know? Click here to sign up for our event email list.
This group is run by Morgan Counts and Ryan Wykle, of toldwell marketing. You can contact us here!
See one you missed out on? We rotate our meeting types and topics, so there will always be another opportunity to join in on a similar meet up in the future!
Past events
What we've been up to:
AmFam DreamBank
821 E Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703
thursday jan. 29, 2026 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Topic: Marketing off social media: Emails, list building, welcome sequences & more!
thursday jan. 29, 2026 10:30AM - 12pm
Grace Coffee Verona
150 West End Circle
Verona, WI 53593
tuesday jan. 13, 2026 | 10:30AM - 12pm
The Work-Life Balance BS! Led by life + business coach, Michelle Vande Hey
tuesday jan. 13, 2026
10:30AM - 12pm
THURSDAY dec 18, 2025 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Special Event! Craft & Networking: Wood Burn Ornament Workshop
A wood burning workshop with Prettyful Creations! We will make a custom wood burned ornament (no experience necessary!), and spend the rest of the time chatting and networking. Tickets are $15/person if you want to participate in the ornament workshop! You are still welcome to come network if you do not want to participate in the craft.
Grace Coffee McFarland
4719 Farwell St #106 McFarland, WI 53558
Toot + Kate's Wine Bar
109 S Main St
Verona, WI 53593
Nov 18, 2025 | 4:30PM - 6PM
Dream Big: Your biz goals for 2026, and how we can help each other get there!
Grace Coffee McFarland
4719 Farwell St #106 McFarland, WI 53558
Nov 4, 2025 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Today’s SEO: What actually matters in 2025 and beyond
Hop Haus Brewing Co
2975 Sub-Zero Parkway
Fitchburg, WI 53719
Oct 21, 2025 | 4:30PM - 6PM
Instagram/Social for Local Business: Strategy over virality, and content ideas
The Rotunda Cafe
1965 Atwood Ave #5220
Madison, WI 53704
Oct 7, 2025 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Storytelling in Business: How to use stories to move your business forward
Delta Beer Lab
167 E Badger Road
Fitchburg, WI 53713
sept 23, 2025 | 4:30PM - 6PM
Content Calendar Lab: Map out your message + show up consistently
Grace Coffee Co - Verona
150 West End Cir
Verona, WI 53593
sept 9, 2025 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Brand Identity Lab – Sharpen your “what do you do?” pitch + feedback
Rusty Bee Lounge
5134 E Cheryl Pkwy
Fitchburg, WI 53711
Website and Messaging Lab – Website tips and peer feedback
aug. 26, 2025 | 4:30PM - 6PM
Barriques - Middleton
1901 Cayuga Street
Middleton, WI 53562
Guest Speaker: Organize your business systems with Frost Organizing
aug. 5, 2025 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Biergarten at Olbrich Park
3527 Atwood Ave
Madison, WI 53714
Content Planning for Busy Business Owners – Simple strategies to plan ahead
july 22, 2025 | 4:30PM - 6PM
Alice Good Coffee
300 S Main Street
Verona, WI 53593
How to Use AI as a Creative Assistant – Stay authentic while saving time
july 8, 2025 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Wisconsin Brewing Co.
1079 American Way
Verona, WI 53593
Clarify Your Message with StoryBrand – Make your business the go-to guide
june 24, 2025 | 4:30PM - 6PM
The Rotunda Cafe
1965 Atwood Ave #5220
Madison, WI 53704
Niche Down Without FOMO – Clarify your audience and business focus
june 10, 2025 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Rusty Bee Lounge
5134 E Cheryl Pkwy
Fitchburg, WI 53711
Networking Meet-Up and Introductions
may 20, 2025 | 4:30PM - 6PM
Garver Feed Mill
3241 Garver Green
Madison, WI 53704
Networking Meet-Up and Introductions
may 13, 2025 | 10:30AM - 12PM
Seminole Tap
5956 Executive Drive
Fitchburg, WI 53719
Networking Meet-Up and Introductions
april 29, 2025 | 4:30PM - 6PM
Networking Meet-Up and Introductions
Grace Coffee - Verona
150 West End Circle
Verona, WI 53593
april 22, 2025 | 10:30AM - 12PM
