Contributed by Marina Byezhanova, an EO Canada Bridge member and the founder of personal branding agency, Brand of a Leader.

What can be more exciting to entrepreneurs than a brand-new venture? Starting something from scratch, identifying the unique positioning, filling the proverbial bus with like-minded people in all of the seats, and driving directly onto the growth superhighway are arguably some of our favorite pastimes. Launching a new chapter gives EO members the opportunity to do just that and, arguably, even more. We are thrilled to be founding members of Canada’s 15th chapter―the Bridge―and are sharing what Bridge is all about and why you should consider joining one.

So, what is a Bridge Chapter?

A Bridge Chapter is not tied to a city; rather, it welcomes members from across the chapter’s country and sometimes even beyond. As Canada Bridge Chapter President Bashir Rahemtulla puts it:

“Bridge is exciting because it’s different. The structure is the same as a local chapter, but the membership is diverse. It includes people from across the country and even from overseas (such as myself), it includes people with different levels of tenure, and it includes members with varying levels of leadership experience. That blend, that diversity, is what makes it very attractive.”

Bashir moved to Costa Rica from Canada three years ago to pursue his dream of living by the ocean and owning a restaurant. He had to step away from his Forum and his chapter, becoming a “Member at Large.” Imagine his excitement when he heard about the Canada Bridge Chapter: A chance to reconnect with fellow entrepreneurs and an opportunity to be in Forum, which he missed so much. When the call came, he jumped at the opportunity to not only join but to become the first president of this new chapter.

In true EO fashion, the timeline was tight and the goals were ambitious. The chapter was to launch within four months with a minimum of 16 members. And of course, also in true EO fashion, we blew past our goal ahead of schedule.