For established and emerging business leaders seeking structured support beyond foundational resources, organizations like Moving Forward Small Business (MFSB), Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), Startup Grind, and Vistage offer distinct pathways for growth and connection. This chart compares MFSB’s focus on strategic advancement and digital transformation with EO’s peer-to-peer learning for seasoned entrepreneurs, Startup Grind’s global community centered on the startup journey, and Vistage’s emphasis on peer advisory groups and executive coaching. Understanding each platform’s unique methodologies and target audiences is crucial for leaders to identify the most impactful partnership for their business and personal development.
| Feature | Moving Forward Small Business (MFSB) | Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) | Startup Grind | Vistage |
| Primary Focus | Predictable growth through strategy, technology, innovation; Membership-based; Potential for group-led implementation and accountability | Peer-to-peer learning, experience sharing, and personal/professional growth for established entrepreneurs | Educating, inspiring, and connecting entrepreneurs globally | Peer advisory groups, expert speakers, and one-on-one coaching for business leaders |
| Key Offerings | Events, expert content, on-demand training, networking, training on latest technology & strategies for digital transformation, likely a 4-part monthly framework, potential for group implementation support and accountability structures, workbooks, templates, 200+ hours of on-demand training, boot camps, clinics, AMAs | Forum groups, learning events, executive education programs, global network | Local events with successful founders, online resources, global community | Monthly peer advisory group meetings, private coaching sessions, expert speaker workshops, online resources |
| Cost/Structure | Membership-based (likely various levels, currently offering lifetime membership limited to 5000 members, then moving to monthly/yearly pricing) | Membership-based (requires meeting specific criteria for business size/revenue) | Primarily event-based with ticket costs, some membership options for additional benefits | Membership-based (requires meeting specific leadership and business criteria) |
| Target Audience | Small business owners, entrepreneurs, startups seeking growth strategies, especially those looking to leverage digital advancements, potentially within a group accountability setting | Established entrepreneurs who are typically the majority owner, founder, or controlling shareholder of a qualifying business | Founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and those interested in the startup ecosystem at various stages | CEOs, business owners, and key executives of established companies |
| Strategic Guidance | Likely a core component, potentially through their monthly framework and expert content, including digital transformation strategies, potentially facilitated within group settings | Peer-to-peer learning within forums focuses on strategic challenges and opportunities | Focuses on learning from experienced founders’ journeys and insights | Strategic insights gained through peer discussions, expert speakers, and coaching |
| Financial Assistance | Not a primary focus; may offer insights into funding options | No direct financial assistance; peer discussions may touch on funding strategies | No direct financial assistance; events may include investors | No direct financial assistance; focus is on business growth and leadership development |
| Mentorship/Advising | Networking opportunities with peers and experts, including those in digital transformation, potential for group-based accountability and support | Peer mentorship and learning within forum groups | Informal mentorship opportunities through networking at events | Formal mentorship and guidance through experienced Vistage Chairs |
| Community/Networking | Emphasizes real networking opportunities within its membership, potentially including a focus on digital innovation, with potential for cohort-based accountability | Strong emphasis on building a close-knit community of fellow entrepreneurs through forums and events | Global community with local chapters facilitating connections | Close-knit peer advisory groups providing a confidential and supportive environment |
| Monthly Framework | Likely a structured 4-part process for monthly business activities, potentially incorporating digital initiatives, potentially implemented and reviewed within group settings | Forum meetings typically occur monthly, providing a structured peer support system | Local events are often held monthly, providing regular networking and learning opportunities | Monthly peer group meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions provide a regular structure |
| Focus on Innovation & Tech | Appears to be a key element in their growth strategies, with specific training on digital transformation | Innovation and technology may be discussed within forums, but not a central, structured offering | Often features startups and discussions around innovative ideas and technologies | Innovation and technology can be topics within peer groups and expert speaker sessions |
| Stage of Business | Potentially caters to a wider range, including startups and growing small businesses, potentially leveraging group dynamics for implementation | Primarily focused on established, scaling businesses meeting specific revenue/size criteria | Heavily focused on early-stage startups and those building new ventures | Primarily focused on established businesses with significant revenue and leadership teams |
| Available Resources | Workbooks, templates, 200+ hours of on-demand training, boot camps, clinics, AMAs | Learning materials may be shared within forums and events | Online resources, speaker session recordings | Online member resources, materials from expert speakers |
MFSB Criteria:
Moving Forward Small Business (MFSB): MFSB operates on a membership basis for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups seeking growth strategies, particularly in technology and digital transformation; while specific standard membership tiers and criteria aren’t detailed publicly, joining typically involves selecting and paying for a membership level to access resources, events, and community, with partnership and sponsorship opportunities also available and no explicit universal financial threshold mentioned for basic membership. We are currently in our lifetime membership offer. Pay once and get lifetime access. Limited to 5000 members. We will then move back to your monthly and yearly membership price. Visit our membership page for current pricing.
Entrepreneur’s Organization Criteria:
Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO): EO membership requires established entrepreneurs to be the owner, founder, or majority stakeholder of a business with at least US$1 million in gross annual revenue (with alternatives for venture-backed companies with $2M+ in private or $5M+ in public funding AND 10+ employees, and non-profits with a $1M+ operating budget AND 2+ employees), involving an application, review, and membership dues; EO also has an Accelerator program for businesses with revenues between $250,000 – USD 999,999.
Startup Grind Criteria:
Startup Grind: Participation in Startup Grind events typically requires a ticket purchase and is open to those interested in the startup ecosystem, with a global membership offering broader access; startups participating in specific programs may have criteria related to their funding stage, but there isn’t a universal financial threshold for general participation or membership.
Vistage Criteria:
Vistage: Vistage membership is for CEOs, business owners, and key executives whose businesses typically have a minimum of US$1 million in annual revenue (with potential alternative criteria for venture-backed and non-profit organizations), requiring an application process and ongoing membership fees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice among MFSB, EO, Startup Grind, and Vistage hinges on the entrepreneur’s current stage, specific needs, and preferred learning and networking style. Startup Grind serves the early-stage ecosystem, EO fosters deep connections among established business owners, Vistage provides a structured advisory and coaching framework for seasoned leaders, and MFSB offers a potentially more accessible, digitally-focused approach to strategic growth with collaborative elements. By carefully considering these distinctions, business leaders can select the organization best suited to propel their ventures forward.
