It’s no secret. If you lead a small or mid-sized organization, you already know it can be lonely at the top. Turning to family members or your internal team when you face certain challenges isn’t always an option. That’s why so many successful business owners turn to peer advisory groups.
Peer groups typically meet once a month and bring together CEOs from non-competing organizations. A strict protocol of communication and confidentiality creates an environment of real trust, one where leaders can openly share both professional and personal challenges.
Several organizations offer this roundtable experience for CEOs. Some are international with thousands of members; others are smaller in scale. Some include networking as part of the experience, while others maintain a firm “no-selling” environment. Membership costs vary, and most have minimum requirements around annual revenue and/or number of employees.
How do you choose what’s right for you? Here’s a brief comparison of three well-known organizations that serve Virginia’s CEOs. Take a look, then ask a local business owner about their own experience in a peer group.
Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
About (from their website)
“Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a high-quality support network of 20,000+ like-minded leaders across 80+ countries. We help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential through the power of life-enhancing connections, shared experiences, and collaborative learning.”
Membership Criteria
Business must have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue during the most recent fiscal year. Venture-backed companies must have privately raised at least $2 million or publicly raised $5 million, with a minimum of 10 employees.
Cost
EO global dues are $2,630 per year, due at the start of each fiscal year on July 1st, with new members prorated on a monthly schedule. New members also pay a one-time global initiation fee of $3,500. For the EO Richmond chapter specifically, annual chapter dues are $3,250 with a one-time chapter initiation fee of $1,500. Total first-year costs for a new EO Richmond member would be approximately $10,880 before any event fees.
Who It’s For
Entrepreneurs join a local EO chapter, which supports their forum and provides education and social programming nearby. Members also have access to a global network and regional and national events. EO chapters are volunteer-led, with professional support from the national organization. For CEOs who want a national or international entrepreneurial network, EO is worth exploring.
Vistage
About (from their website)
“Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders. We offer the most effective approach to achieve better results, grow your company faster, and maximize your impact as a leader.”
Membership Criteria
Vistage is designed for CEOs of businesses generating $5 million or more in annual revenue.
Cost
Vistage charges a one-time initiation fee of $2,500. Monthly dues are approximately $1,380 for CEO members, bringing the estimated first-year total to $19,060 and ongoing annual costs to approximately $16,560. Costs can vary depending on group type and location, so we recommend contacting Vistage directly for current pricing in your area.
Who It’s For
Vistage groups are facilitated by an accomplished business leader called a chair, who also meets with members one-on-one between meetings. Members have access to subject matter experts and can connect with peers both locally and globally. For CEOs seeking a professionally facilitated experience with dedicated coaching, Vistage is a solid option.
Virginia CEOs (VACEOs)
About (from their website)
“Whether you’re a CEO, business owner, or entrepreneur, Virginia CEOs (VACEOs) is an inclusive, safe space where leaders learn, share, and grow together. We are an exclusively member-led business association, bringing together the region’s most influential thought leaders who share experiences and resources to help navigate challenges and chart the journey to success.”
Membership Criteria
VACEOs is for CEOs and business owners in Virginia with at least $1 million in annual revenue and 5 or more full-time employees. Members represent businesses across all industries, from startups to legacy companies, with an average annual revenue of $8 million.
Cost
New members pay a one-time joining fee of $1,500. Annual dues are $3,960 for Roundtable membership and $7,560 for Forum membership. Dues include your Roundtable or Forum, all learning and connecting events, and access to the online community. Installment options are available.
Who It’s For
For over 25 years, VACEOs has served small and mid-sized business leaders across Virginia, with members in Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and beyond. VACEOs offers both member-led peer roundtables and professionally facilitated forums as the core membership benefit. The model is rooted in experience sharing rather than advice-giving, creating deeper connections and actionable insights. Beyond monthly peer group meetings, members gather for learning events, social programming, and a three-day annual CEO Retreat. For Virginia’s CEOs who want to learn and grow alongside peers in a confidential, non-competitive, no-sell environment, VACEOs is a great place to start.
What is the Right CEO Peer Group for me?
Choosing the right peer advisory group is a personal decision. The best fit depends on the size of your business, your budget, and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you value a global entrepreneurial network, dedicated one-on-one coaching, or a locally rooted community built on trust, there is an option designed for you.
At the end of the day, the best peer group is the one where you feel safe enough to be honest, challenged enough to grow, and connected enough to keep showing up. All three organizations on this list offer something real and valuable. We encourage you to do your research, talk to current members, and experience a meeting firsthand before making your decision.
If you’d like to learn more about what VACEOs has to offer Virginia’s small business leaders, we’d love to start a conversation.
Learn more about VACEOs membership at vaceos.org
