Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a young Chicago lawyer, who initially created the organization as a business club to foster fellowship and mutual support among professionals. The concept of Rotary was to bring together like-minded individuals from various professions to exchange ideas, build relationships, and contribute to the well-being of their communities. In fact, the first Rotary Club was made up of businesspeople, and the core of Rotary’s early existence was rooted in professional collaboration and service to society.

Over the years, Rotary expanded its mission to focus on global humanitarian efforts, but the fundamental principle of connecting people through their professions remained. Rotary Means Business (RMB) emerged as a formal expression of this enduring value, recognizing that business and service can coexist and amplify each other.

The RMB initiative began informally within Rotary clubs around the world, where members saw the opportunity to combine Rotary's mission of service with professional networking. In 2010, this idea gained formal recognition with the creation of the Rotary Means Business Fellowship, which allowed Rotarians to connect more deeply in their professional lives while still upholding the principles of Rotary service.

RMB is grounded in the belief that business success is not just about individual achievement but about building a strong community of professionals. This community is dedicated to ethical business practices, service, and the well-being of others. By promoting collaboration over competition, RMB has grown into a global network of Rotarians who support each other’s professional endeavors while remaining committed to the values of service, fellowship, and integrity.

Today, Rotary Means Business serves as a platform for Rotarians to expand their businesses, develop lasting relationships, and make a positive impact in both their local and global communities.