Below are the current Membership levels for the Sheltowee Business Network.  Membership in the Sheltowee Business Network requires individuals to adhere to our code of conduct and to promote our core values of helping others, acting in a kind, ethical and transparent fashion and to expect a financial return from your interaction in the network.  


Mentors are experienced business owners who have started, run, and made a living from their own business.  Mentors should join the Sheltowee Business Network to engage with other experienced entrepreneurs to help grow their business and to help new entrepreneurs get their businesses up and running.  The benefits of being a Mentor are: 

  • Associate with high quality people
  • Earn income from network interactions
  • Build your business network
  • Access unique and valuable tools
  • Mentor less experienced entrepreneurs


An Expert is an individual who is interested in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and has something to contribute.  This could be as an angel investor or could be by utilizing their business experience to help entrepreneurs.  This membership option is for people who have not built their own company before.  The benefits of an Expert Membership are:

  • Associate with high quality people
  • Earn income from network interactions
  • Learn about the startup ecosystem
  • Access unique and valuable tools
  • Use your skills to help entrepreneurs


The membership level of Entrepreneur is for new entrepreneurs who need to get their idea off the ground or for business owners who want to go through the Business in a Box curriculum or take a one day workshop on raising capital.  As an Entrepreneur Member the Member will be able to go through the entire Business in a Box Curriculum, or take a one day workshop on raising capital.  Either of these options will allow the member to present to the Sheltowee Venture Fund for potential investment.  Members will also get valuable feedback from Mentors regarding their business.  The benefits to an Entrepreneur Membership are: 

  • Associate with high quality people
  • Earn income from network interactions
  • Build your business network
  • Access unique and valuable tools
  • Participate in the Business in a Box curriculum or a workshop on Raising Capital
  • Present to the Sheltowee Venture Fund
  • Present to a Family Office and other Angel Investors



The Explorer membership level is for those that want to learn more, or want to apply to the Sheltowee Venture Fund for potential investment.  The cost for the Explorer level membership is $995, or $99.95 per month for a minimum of 12 months.  The benefits to an Explorer Membership are:  

  • Get access to Sheltowee's Mentors
  • Be eligible to apply to the Sheltowee Venture Fund
  • Learn about the benefits of upgrading your membership