Business Owners Advisory Boards (BOAB)

The Business Owners Advisory Board (BOAB) is a peer-to-peer business resource designed to help Commerce Lexington members navigate the challenges and opportunities of owning and growing a business. Through small, confidential groups of business owners with similar interests and experiences, participants have the opportunity to share ideas, discuss challenges, exchange best practices, and learn from one another in a trusted, non-competitive environment.

Each BOAB group brings together approximately 8–10 business owners who are intentionally selected to complement one another without creating direct competition. Meeting monthly for two hours, groups build meaningful relationships while providing a space for honest conversation, practical advice, and shared problem-solving. 

BOAB gives business owners a consistent network of peers they can turn to as they work to strengthen and grow their businesses.

Apply for BOAB

As a member of the Business Owners Advisory Board for several years, it has become one of the main reasons I continue to renew my Commerce Lexington membership each year. The opportunity to connect monthly with other business owners in a confidential, small group setting has been incredibly valuable.
​Whether we're discussing growth, marketing, hiring, employee retention, or operational challenges, I've found that business owners across industries often face many of the same issues. Learning from the experiences of others and having access to expert speakers and resources has provided insights that I have been able to apply directly to my business.

Amy Campbell, Owner
​Amy Campbell Studio

I've been part of a lot of networking groups over the years, but the Commerce Lexington BOAB group has been a completely different experience.

For the first time, I've found a room full of business owners who are genuinely committed to growing their businesses and helping each other do the same. No one is there to pitch their services or sell to the group. Instead, we show up ready to learn, share ideas, solve real business challenges, and hold each other accountable.

​
Lindsey Crabtree, Founder/CEO
Structured, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can participate?

BOAB is designed for Commerce Lexington members at no cost.

​ Participants must:

• Be the owner or co-owner of a business
• Have been in business for at least two years
• Currently generate revenue for their business
• Be a current Commerce Lexington member

How will I be placed in a BOAB group?

Group placements are made twice per year and are formed based on factors such as industry or market segment, number of employees, geographic focus, and other business characteristics. Groups are designed to be non-competitive. Applicants are placed in groups in a way that avoids conflicts with direct competitors while creating opportunities for meaningful peer-to-peer discussion.

How often do groups meet?

​BOAB groups meet monthly for approximately two hours. Each group determines its own meeting dates, times, and location.

How many people are in each group?

Each group typically includes 8–10 business owners, allowing participants to build meaningful relationships while ensuring everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

What happens during a BOAB meeting?

​Meetings provide a confidential setting for business owners to discuss challenges, share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Each group sets its own objectives and discussion priorities with guidance from its facilitator.

Contact us:

Liz Bennet
Events/Communications Specialist 

[email protected]
​​859.226.1615