What if networking felt more intentional - and actually led to the partnerships you're looking for?

EBN Creates Curated
Virtual Networking for Creative Entrepreneurs

Designed to create profitable, aligned partnerships - not random introductions

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95% of attendees report at least 2 aligned connections per meeting. 64% report 4 or more high-quality connections

Hand-curated introductions (no random zoom rooms) and no messy chats full of sales pitches

Where coaches, marketers, artists and storytellers collaborate to create visibility and opportunity

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How EBN Works

You don't have to decide everything at once.

1. Visit

Join one of our monthly networking experiences as a guest. Request a free ticket and choose the date that works best for you. Experience curated introductions firsthand.

2. Call

After your visit, schedule a short conversation with our founder, Stephanie Bonte-Lebair. This is a chance to ask questionsand explore whether EBN is the right fit for you.

3. Join

Join as a member and begin receiving ongoing access to curated networking, follow-up sessions, visibility opportunities, and collaboration support each month.

The Hand-Curated Networking Experience that started it all...

You may have found clients or stages through other networking groups - but EBN's true differentiator is the hand-curated introductions designed to create aligned, long-term partnerships.

We call these connections Empowered Partners® - business owners with complimentary services and a similar ideal client who actively support and refer each other.

We believe in selling through the room, not to the room.

Before each event, you complete a short networking form. Using this information, our founder, Stephanie Bonte-Lebair, thoughtfully curates breakout rooms so the most aligned people for you.

No more random zoom rooms.
No chaotic chats.
No repeated or overlapping introductions.

Just intentional connection - by design.

  • Maximize your ROI with hand-curated breakout rooms of 7-8 aligned business owners

  • Feel welcomed and supported with Leadership Team members facilitating every room

  • Leave with clarity and connections using a detailed attendee list of 60+ participants (and no messy chats!)

  • Increase visibility through 5-Min Member Feature Presentations and opportunities to co-lead breakout rooms

  • Deepen relationships and complete follow up during the next-day Implementation & Follow Up Call

This isn't accidental networking. It's relationship design.

What Members are saying

"Collaborations Come First!"

"EBN is built on the idea that collaborations come first! The members are creative, supportive and inspiring. I'm really happy to be a part of it."

- Maiko Sakai
Quiz Alchemist, NYC

"Referral worth $6,500"

"Joining EBN was one of the best decisions I made this year. I'm thrilled to be a part of this community, and I received a referral worth $6,500."

- Erin Duffy
Career Coach, Minnesota

"I just don't want to miss!"

"Each session is full of meaningful connections. The people are top notch and like-minded in referring business. I look forward to every month. I just don't want to miss!"

- Vaughn Fahie
Audiobooks, California

The connection doesn't stop after the Networking Event.

Instead of leaving with a long list and no plan, we focus on quality follow-up and intentional relationship building.

Next-day Implementation & Follow-up Session

If you’re anything like our members, you’re busy building your business and value anything that helps streamline your calendar while saving time and energy. This session is designed to help you identify the most aligned connections from the networking event and turn them into clear, manageable follow-up — without overwhelm.

Many members find they no longer need to attend multiple external networking groups because they’re consistently meeting new, high-quality connections inside EBN. In fact, over the 6+ years we’ve hosted virtual events, we’ve never had fewer than 15 new visitors eager to meet our members each month.

This follow-up session is intentionally smaller (typically 25+ participants). You’ll have space to make an ask, share updates in your business, and identify as few or as many aligned connections as your schedule and goals allow — all with guidance and support.

  • Increase visibility by sharing upcoming events, offers, or announcements

  • Get guided support from Stephanie to identify the best connections for you

  • Complete meaningful follow up within 24 hours of the networking event

  • Reduce overwhelm and gain clarity around next steps and calendar planning

  • Members may attend even if they miss the networking event, offering added flexibility

This is where connections turn into real momentum.

Basic Schedule & Benefits

To keep your networking experience simple and effective, here's our streamlined monthly rhythm.

One Hand-Curated Networking Event Each Month

Usually held the first Thursday of the month from 2-3:30 p.m. ET, join approximately 60 creative entrepreneurs for intentionally curated introductions in breakout rooms of 7-8 aligned business owners.

Get immediate solutions to your challenges

through personalized coaching that addresses your unique career needs.

No more waiting for answers—take action now.

Next-Day Implementation & Follow-Up Call

Held the Friday after our networking call from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET, join a smaller group (typically 25+) for focused conversation around identifying your best referral partners and prioritizing quality connections.

Bonus Expert-Hosted Workshops

Participate in one to two expert-led, 60-minute workshops each month on topics relevant to creative and service-based entrepreneurs. Attend the sessions that align with your current goals and interests.

Member Platform, Recordings & Resources

Access a growing community of members across 20+ US states, Canada and beyond inside our Member platform. View recordings of past trainings, networking attendee lists, speaking opportunities, networking guidance, and shared resources.

Everything is designed to support connection, follow-up, and momentum - without over-filling your calendar.

If random, pitch-heavy networking hasn't worked for you, EBN offers a more intentional way to connect.

How Members Describe the Experience

"This does not feel like networking"

"Everyone has been so welcoming. I don't usually enjoy networking, but this does not feel like networking. I feel giddy and excited."

- Jennifer Du Bois
Coach, California

"The Curation Makes a Difference"

"Stephanie creates miracles with curating the breakout rooms. I get she spends hours doing it, but it makes a real difference."

- Sandra Lee
Wellness Specialist, BC, Canada

"6 Aligned Connections from one session"

"Stephanie is a dynamic leader who facilitates intentional, strategic networking. I left with 6 aligned connections from one session."

- Terri Taylor-Joseph
Consultant, Louisiana

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Who is the best fit for EBN?

You’re likely a great fit for EBN if:

You’re a creative, service-based entrepreneur — especially a coach, speaker, marketing professional, or someone who supports those roles (bookkeepers, attorneys, virtual assistants, tech specialists, financial advisors, and similar).

You understand that coaches and marketing professionals often make strong collaborators — and you’re excited to build relationships with them.

You run most of your business virtually and want to form meaningful partnerships online.

You prefer curated introductions over random breakout rooms and value a networking experience that respects your time and goals.

You enjoy learning and appreciate events that include practical education around marketing, sales, or business growth.

You’re not looking for a quick transaction — you’re interested in aligned, long-term partnerships that lead to visibility, referrals, and sustainable growth.

Question 2: How are the breakout rooms curated?

Breakout rooms are hand-curated by Stephanie using the information you share when you register. This includes your ideal client, best referral partners, complementary services, collaboration goals, and communication style.

The goal is to place you with aligned, high-quality connections — not random pairings — so every conversation feels intentional and relevant.

Question 3: How is EBN different?

EBN is focused on building Empowered Partners®, not chasing leads.

Here’s what makes us different:

Curated breakout rooms
Small-group conversations are intentionally matched to your goals and ideal partners — no awkward or random Zoom rooms.

Built-in follow-up support
Our next-day Implementation & Follow-Up Session helps you turn conversations into action.
95% of attendees report 2+ follow-up calls, and 64% report 4 or more.

Action over overwhelm
We don’t just make introductions — we support aligned next steps so you save time and energy.

Strategic collaboration over sales chasing
Instead of hunting for individual prospects, you’re supported in forming creative, revenue-generating partnerships.

Question 4: I have a full schedule. Why should I consider EBN?

You’re not alone — many of our members have full calendars and active businesses.

That’s exactly why EBN exists.

EBN is designed to help you network smarter, not harder. When you learn how to build strategic Empowered Partnerships, the impact extends beyond EBN into every room you enter.

With just two meetings during the first full week of each month, many members fill their follow-up schedule for the entire month. We consistently welcome 15+ new, aligned visitors at each networking event — giving you fresh opportunities without attending endless meetings.

EBN was created to help creative entrepreneurs maximize results without spending hours chasing leads across multiple groups. You get high-quality, curated connections — all in one place.

Question 5: What if I'm new to networking or in a pivot?

You’re in exactly the right place.

Whether you’re new to networking, rebranding, or navigating a major business pivot, EBN is designed to support you during transition. When I shifted from being a singing teacher to a networking coach, a community like this would have saved me years of trial and error.

Here’s why EBN works especially well during change:

You learn how to build Empowered Partnerships from the beginning — avoiding transactional networking habits that don’t serve you.

You focus on visibility and collaboration strategies that generate momentum, even while your offers are evolving.

You’re not forced into connections that feel misaligned — everything is intentional and flexible.

Many members joined during a pivot and found clarity, collaboration, and cash flow faster through the relationships they built here.

If you’re craving connection, visibility, fresh perspective, or thoughtful feedback on your message — you’re exactly who we want in the room.

Still curious? The best way to know if EBN is right for you is to experience it.

MEET THE FOUNDER

A Letter from Stephanie

When I was a singing teacher with a full studio of 40+ students, burning the candle at both ends and struggling to spend time with my family, the last thing I wanted was one more client.

At the time, I didn’t even understand what business networking was really about. Then a friend invited me to a networking event — and my business would never be the same.

I began using networking to explore new ideas, earn more without working more hours, and experiment with offers and collaborations that felt aligned. Along the way, I discovered I had a natural gift for building relationships — and, thanks to my performing background, for helping business owners use their voice and presence to grow their business more intentionally.

After running networking events for others for several years, I finally found the courage to create my own. Empowered Business Networking is the community I always wished existed — one designed for creative, heart-centered entrepreneurs who value collaboration over pitching and competition.

If you’ve met wonderful people at networking events but struggled to turn those conversations into clients, partnerships, or opportunities, you’re in the right place. Our focus is on creating visibility, speaking opportunities, and aligned collaborations that lead to meaningful growth.

I hope you’ll join us at an upcoming event.

Warmly,
Stephanie Bonte-Lebair
Founder, Empowered Business Networking

💛 Our Commitment to an Inclusive, Empowering Community

At Empowered Business Networking, we believe the strongest connections are built on respect, curiosity, and shared humanity.

We are intentional about creating a space where people of all backgrounds feel welcome, supported and valued - including across race, nationality, religion, ability, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, location, and economic background.

🚫 Discrimination, hate, and exclusion have no place here.

✅ This is a community rooted in collaboration, creativity, and compassion.

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Gaithersburg, Maryland
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