11 Small business networking groups every business owner should join

Starting a small business is thrilling—so many of us want to be our own boss and set our own destiny. But being a boss can be isolating, and it can sometimes feel like you have nowhere to turn. Through these networking groups, you can find support, inspiration, and new friends to celebrate every step of your journey.

Whether you’re trying to figure out how to attract customers or need help with marketing ideas, joining small business networking groups can provide a key support mechanism as well as supplement your existing skill set.

A recent QuickBooks survey found that more than 75% of small business owners report feeling stressed, but as a leader, you might not want to discuss your feelings or concerns with your employees. At the same time, your friends and family may not be able to help solve work issues. This can leave you without an outlet to discuss stressors and how to deal with them. That’s where you can count on a support group like one of the following to help: 

1. Chamber of Commerce
2. SCORE
3. Business Network International (BNI)
4. Rotary Club International
5. Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)
6. Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC)
7. National Small Business Association (NSBA)
8. American Marketing Association (AMA)
9. Network After Work
10. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
11. Kiwanis Club

Business owners can use four key types of small business networking groups to get support. 

1. Casual contact networks: Open groups or chambers of commerce-type gatherings. These are a great way to meet many new people and get your name out there. However, they may have a lot of participants, meaning it can be difficult to develop strong relationships.
2. Strong contact networks: These groups are smaller and more focused than casual contact networks. Members typically meet regularly and share word-of-mouth referrals. This is a great way to develop strong relationships with other business owners who can help you grow your business.  
3. Community service clubs: These groups are focused on giving back to the community, but they also provide a great opportunity to network with other business owners. Some examples include Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, and Lions Clubs.
4. Professional associations: These groups are for people who share a common profession or industry. They offer professional development opportunities, networking events, and a chance to connect with other professionals in your field.

You can also find help virtually with online networking. Many online groups and forums allow you to network with other business owners. These groups can be a great way to connect with people from all over the world, but developing strong relationships online can be more difficult.

Therefore, when it comes to networking to support you and your business, online forums and happy hours might not be enough. That’s where joining one of the best small business networking groups for support is worth a closer look.

1. Chamber of Commerce

Best for: Most businesses, especially those new to the community or with a focus on local customers or clients. 

A Chamber of Commerce is great for most small businesses, offering various resources and networking opportunities. These are one-stop shops for small businesses, with various resources and networking opportunities. 

Chambers frequently host networking events, workshops, and seminars specifically geared toward small businesses. These events provide excellent opportunities to connect with potential clients, vendors, and other business owners.

This makes them a great fit for businesses of all sizes, especially those new to the area or heavily reliant on local customers.

2. SCORE

Best for: Small business owners of any experience level looking for mentorship. 

SCORE is a fantastic resource for any small business owner. It has a large network of volunteer business mentors, all with experience and a passion for helping others.

New businesses can get guidance on their business plan or get funding while growing or establishing businesses might find value in getting strategic advice or finding a sounding board for ideas. 

SCORE also offers workshops and webinars for educational programs on various business topics, from marketing and finance to human resources and legal compliance.

3. Business Network International (BNI)

Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with business-to-business (B2B) sales models. 

The Business Network International (BNI) is a good fit for business owners who are outgoing, relationship-focused, and comfortable giving and receiving referrals.

Note that BNI is a structured referral organization with a system for generating leads. BNI’s chapter meetings provide a platform to connect with other local business owners, present your business offering, and exchange qualified referrals.

4. Rotary Club International

Best for: Small business owners looking for professional development and community engagement.

Rotary Club International is a global network of members looking to serve their communities. Rotary clubs are made up of business owners, professionals, and community leaders who meet regularly to exchange ideas, network, and collaborate on service projects.

They attract a wide range of professionals from various industries, creating a rich environment for exchanging ideas and forging connections that can benefit your business. These clubs also offer mentorship and leadership opportunities to hone your skills. 

5. Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)

Best for: Established business owners with at least $1 million in annual revenue.

Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) is a global, non-profit network specifically designed for business owners who have found success but would like additional support. It allows established business owners to connect with like-minded leaders. 

EO goes beyond just business, with a focus on the well-being of the whole entrepreneur, with a global network. It offers opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and industries, fostering a wider perspective.

6. Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC)

Best for: Young entrepreneurs with high-growth potential businesses.

The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invitation-only organization that helps foster connections among young entrepreneurs. YEC’s global network caters to founders under 45 across various industries. 

YEC membership grants access to a community of like-minded young entrepreneurs facing similar challenges and opportunities. It also offers peer-to-peer mentorship and knowledge sharing.

7. National Small Business Association (NSBA)

Best for: All small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of industry or location.

The National Small Business Association (NSBA) is a small business advocacy organization. It facilitates online communities and local chapters for in-person connection and idea exchange. NSBA also offers a wealth of online resources, webinars, and workshops on various business topics. The big advantage is that they can also help you stay up-to-date on industry trends.

8. American Marketing Association (AMA)

Best for: Small businesses interested in marketing education and professional development. 

The American Marketing Association (AMA) is a large community specifically designed for marketing professionals. It offers various resources for small business owners, including the ability to connect with other marketers in your area via workshops and networking events. 

They also offer industry publications that help members stay up-to-date on the latest marketing trends and best practices.

9. Network After Work

Best for: New and established small business owners across all industries.

Network After Work is a professional community designed to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals network. It offers a casual atmosphere for after-work gatherings, both in-person and virtually. 

Network After Work events provide a more relaxed setting to meet potential clients, collaborators, and fellow business owners who can offer support and share experiences. You can also find mentors by connecting with experienced professionals who can guide and advise on navigating challenges. 

10. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

Best for:  Self-employed individuals and solopreneurs, regardless of industry.

The National Association for the Self-employed (NASE) offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to help you thrive as a self-employed entrepreneur. It creates a strong sense of community through online forums and local chapter meetings.

NASE members can access experts to help answer questions and offer personalized guidance, as well as online resources. However, the association also has grants for small businesses that can help cover specific business needs, like equipment purchases.

11. Kiwanis Club

Best for: Small business owners of all industries, especially those seeking a community focus and leadership development.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of service clubs with a focus on communities. While their primary mission is service, Kiwanis clubs also foster a strong sense of community among members. 

Many Kiwanis chapters have a focus on supporting local businesses. This can lead to opportunities for collaboration on community projects and increased brand awareness. 

How to level up your small business networking

For business owners struggling with finding needed support, whether it’s with emotional stress or business problems, there are ways to improve your networking. For example: 

• Find the right groups: Look for communities that focus on small business support. Consider joining local chapters or associations or industry-specific groups where you can connect with people who understand your specific challenges.
• Seek out mentors: Whatever groups you join, finding a mentor can provide helpful emotional support and guidance, as they've likely been through similar challenges.
• Go virtual: Online communities can be a great resource, especially if you live in a remote area or have limited time. Facebook groups, Slack channels, or even subreddits dedicated to small businesses can provide camaraderie and advice.
• Be helpful: Building a network is a two-way street. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but also offer support to others as well, and be open about your own struggles.

Building a stronger network can take a bit of time and effort, but you should start reaching out now if you want to expand your opportunities to learn and grow.

Get the support you need 

As a small business owner, you’ll encounter obstacles or unexpected setbacks. One of the best tools to confront these challenges is the collective knowledge and experience of small business networking groups. 

Struggling to find the time to seek out the emotional or mental support you need? 

Try freeing up some of your time by leveraging technology like accounting software to automate some of your financial activities. 

Coupled with purposeful business networking, you can solve problems faster and take your day-to-day performance to the next level.