About Chicago Bootstrappers

Who are the Chicago Bootstrappers?: We are founding entrepreneurs at all levels meeting as the Chicago Chapter of The Bootstrap Network. We meet at various locations throughout Chicago and the suburbs on an ad hoc basis.

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What is the Bootstrap Network? The Bootstrap Network is a self-organized grassroots group of entrepreneurs which may be organized into internal groups that follow a structure based on two complementary models:

• The Bio-venture (Venture Development) model developed by Darius Mahdjoubi~
  This non-linear model provides names for the different stages of a bootstrap venture: Ideation, Survival and Growth.
  
• The MRE model (from the book, The Human Fabric) developed by Bijoy Goswami~
  This model provides names for different human relations: Maven, Relater and Evangelist to help members find co-founders, hire the right people, craft sales teams, etc.
  

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What we do:
The Chicago Bootstrappers are intent upon helping each other by

• Sharing ideas to set up new, self-funded (bootstrap) ventures
  
• Working through the trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship
  
• Networking
  

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How we do it:
We use a number of online tools to connect members including Meetup.com. Once you become a member of this group, you will be invited to use one or more of these forums.

We also conduct

• 'Meet fellow members' events
  
  
• Breakout sessions
  
  
• Marketing Swarms
  
  
• Networking events
  
  
• Bootstrap Courses
  

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Who may Join?:
In order to join this group, you will need to have a startup venture underway or be actively in the Ideation process.

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Meetings and Breakouts:
Meetings, breakouts and presentation fees vary. Many are FREE however, some co-promoted events may include a fee above this group's membership fee.

Partial Members have sent an email to this organizer to join the group and been approved.

Partial Members may become Full Members by either providing a negotiated business service to the Chicago Bootstrap Chapter of the Bootstrap Network or by paying yearly dues ($10.00/month pro-rated to the end of the year).

If you are neither a Partial or Full Member, you can attend our meetups only at the invitation of a Full Member, who must be present.


Breakout Sessions:
on specific topics are scheduled on an ad hoc basis. There is a fee charged for Breakouts for Partial Members. Breakouts are free to Full Members.

Marketing Swarms:
are scheduled on an ad hoc basis for full members only.

When:
We hold gatherings and meet all over Chicago and the suburbs! Check our events schedule for the next meetup or if there isn't an event currently on the calendar, you may request a meetup event to suit your area of interest! You will be notified when your event request is accepted and scheduled.

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