Our Story

In 2018, two local business owners Cheryl Packham and Ed Cunningham sat down over coffee and started talking about something they’d both been feeling: business in Surprise was disconnected. There was no Main Street, no local business center of gravity, and very few places where entrepreneurs could go to get the support they actually needed.

So they did what business owners dothey started something small. First came Shop Local Surprise, then a few community events, a pandemic-era directory, and a growing network of people trying to build something better, together. What began as a conversation has since evolved into the Surprise Business Collective.

In 2024, Cheryl met Bailey Steindel through her work during the Super Saturday event. Bailey brought fresh energy and stepped in to help organize and grow the group. Shortly after, Karin York of Spencer’s Place joined the mix, helping launch our weekly mastermind and giving us a physical space to gather and connect.

Today, SBC has over 50 engaged membersand we're just getting started. Every conversation, every collaboration, every new business we meet brings us closer to a connected, vibrant business community that reflects the heart of Surprise.

Why We Exist

• Because running a business shouldn't feel like you're on an island

• Because no one understands business owners like other business owners

• Because Surprise is growingand local businesses should grow with it

• Built by business owners, not bureaucrats

• Focused on action, not red tape

• Easy to join, easy to engage

• Centered on real relationships, not formalities

• Rooted in trust, accountability, and showing up

• We put the "work" in networking
  

We don’t just meet to exchange ideas, we put in the work. Whether we’re hosting a mastermind or connecting over coffee, our goal is to move real projects forward, not just talk about them. SBC is about action, follow-through, and building something meaningful, together. Just people who care about doing good business and helping each other grow.