Being a business owner is hard enough, but being a young business owner has its own unique challenges. With that in mind, the Young Adult Business Collective formed in Elizabethtown to offer resources and support in a collaborative manner.

"This is a group for young adult (age 40 or younger) entrepreneurs who are interested in connecting and collaborating with other like-minded individuals in whatever phase of their business they may be," said Nikita Grove, founder of The Wellness Grove, co-founder of the Elizabethtown Farmers Market Co. and one of the founders of the Young Adult Business Collective. "We run the group like a mini mastermind, where folks can share their challenges and successes with others for support, to learn from one another and inspire growth, new connections and ultimately create supportive synergy as the next generation of business owners in our community."

Grove started the group with another local business owner, Cecile Madonna of Lola Love Letter, after the two struck up a conversation on a call that turned into helping and supporting each other in their businesses. "We realized how impactful this vent/listening session was and despite our businesses being in different sectors - creative arts vs. health care/wellness - as small local business owners, we had so many challenges and business-related hats we wore in common. Plus, our different perspectives were enlightening to one another."

Both women are members of the Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce, and while they enjoy and see value in Chamber events, they felt focusing on the unique needs of young adults in business could benefit people on a deeper level.

The group typically meets on the fourth Monday of the month from 5 to 6 p.m. at rotating locations. Meetings feature opportunities for support and networking. "Hosting the group meetings at each member's business location (is) a way to open the doors to other local business owners and truly integrate ourselves into one another's spaces," Grove shared.

She encourages any young business owners to consider joining the group. "Come as you are, in whatever phase of business you may be in, whether pre-contemplation of launching, newly launching or years in business," she said, adding that the group is focused on collaboration, not competition. "This group is meant to connect, support and grow together as the next generation of business owners."

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the next meeting of the Young Adult Business Collective will be held on Monday, May 20, at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, 1299 S. Market St., Elizabethtown. More information on the group may be found at https://elizabethtowncoc.com.