The Small Business Owners' Alliance (SBOA) was founded by Nicole Redinbaugh in early 2023.

As she launched her independent insurance agency, Acuhawk Insurance Solutions, Nicole sought to connect with other local professionals and expand her network.

While exploring existing networking groups, she found that many didn't align with her vision—whether due to cost, rigidity, scheduling conflicts, or overall group dynamics.

Drawing from her corporate leadership experience, Nicole envisioned a different kind of networking group—one that prioritized genuine relationships, accessibility, and community support. This vision led to the creation of SBOA.

Starting with grassroots marketing efforts, the group began as a single chapter meeting bi-weekly. Nicole, along with Vice President Moira, emphasized flexibility, allowing the group to adapt and evolve based on members' needs.

Meetings incorporated member introductions, engaging discussions, and informative presentations, striking a balance between structure and relatability.
To maintain connections between meetings, Nicole established a Facebook group, fostering virtual engagement, referrals, and support.

As interest grew, it became evident that there was potential for expansion.
Embracing this opportunity, SBOA welcomed online-only participants and expanded its in-person offerings.

Within two years, the organization launched two additional chapters, hosted quarterly open houses, and laid plans for further growth and community impact.

This progress was bolstered by Nicole's husband, Sean, who joined as her business partner in both their insurance agency and SBOA. The addition of dedicated leaders to help manage in-person sessions and online engagement has been instrumental in SBOA's continued growth.

With a relationship-first focus, the organization aims to establish at least five more chapters by the end of 2026.

Looking ahead, SBOA plans to expand into neighboring metropolitan areas across the Midwest, creating locally-based hubs that operate under the SBOA guidelines while serving their unique communities. Nicole and Sean are proud to collaborate with the generous and talented professionals who support SBOA's mission.

They are grateful for the community's support and are excited to continue giving back in meaningful ways as the organization grows.