You already know your craft- that is exactly why you started a business! The business side is a different story, and it’s a lot easier to navigate in a community than it is alone.

Grateful Connections events are built the same way every time: comfort first, real connection next, and the confidence to grow your business on your terms. We host speaker events with real substance, hands-on workshops that you can put to use right away, and time together over coffee or drinks, no pitch required!

Our topics cover what actually builds business confidence- sales, marketing (social, SEO, content, and beyond), finance, operations, mindset, and the things you didn’t even know you needed to learn. Sessions are led by women in our community, and occasionally by specialists who share our same approach: real experience over theory, and always in service of lifting women up, never talking down to them.

Leaves represent growing your business with Grateful Connections.

Events

Upcoming Events

  • November Co-Working and Mastermind Gathering

    Thursday November 12th
    2nd and 4th Thursdays each month
    10am-12pm, The Frunchroom Collective
    $10 to cover costs of private room (Collected at the event)
    1193 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville

    Due to Thanksgiving being the 4th Thursday, we will only meet at the Frunchroom 1 time.

    Take a break from working alone and join us for intentional co-working with women who get it. This is a focused, supportive space to bring your laptop, set goals, make progress, and get energized by community. Come work, connect, and grow- because business is better when we build it together. No Registration, please join us at the Frunchroom in the den!

  • From Comfortable in Your Skin to Confident in Your Work

    A luncheon brunch on body confidence and business confidence with Liz Hansen, founder of Chicago Boudoir Photography

    Tuesday, October 27th
    11:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Nirvana Kitchen and Wine Bar

    700 Hawthorn Row Unit 100, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (Hawthorn Mall)

  • Sold on Yourself

    A half-day workshop on the confidence to sell and the skills to do it with Emma Mulvany, Women's Empowerment Mentor, and Malinda Leonard, founder of Grateful Connections

    Friday, November 6th 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Hotel Indigo
    450 N Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills


Grateful Connections is a professional development community for women building passion-driven businesses — and lives — they love. Our in-person events and virtual workshops bring you comfort, real connection, and the confidence to grow on your own terms.

Join us for an event to see for yourself.

You don’t have to grow your business alone.

Become a Speaker at Grateful Connections

We are always looking for speakers who lead with heart- women in our community, and occasionally other specialists who share our approach: real experience over theory, and always in service of lifting women up, never talking down to them.

If you have a story, strategy, or lesson that builds comfort, connection, or confidence for women in business, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply to be a Speaker

If the information above resonates with your mission and message, we invite you to apply below. We review all submissions with care and reach out personally when we see a great fit. Thank you for your interest in helping women grow through comfort, connection, and confidence.

Grateful Connections events empower women in business