18 Networks All Entrepreneurs Should Consider Joining in 2024
As an entrepreneur, the people you surround yourself with and the resources you tap into play a huge role in your success. Having a strong professional network grants you access to funding opportunities, top talent, expert guidance, and moral support – all critical elements for starting and scaling a thriving business.
But for many founders, building that network is a major challenge. In fact, a recent survey by the Business Journals found that 39% of small business owners struggle with expanding their network, citing time constraints and uncertainty around which groups to join as the biggest barriers.
Considering small businesses account for 99.9% of all companies in the U.S. today, that‘s a massive number of entrepreneurs who are potentially missing out on game-changing connections. The good news is, there‘s an ever-growing range of networks and communities cropping up to help business owners overcome this hurdle – you just need to know where to look.
To point you in the right direction, we‘ve compiled a list of 18 entrepreneur networks worth exploring in 2024, including a breakdown of what they offer and which stage or type of business they‘re best suited for. But first, a few tips for identifying the right networking opportunities for you:
How to Choose an Entrepreneur Network
Before signing up for any group or community, get clear on your goals and intentions. What do you hope to gain from expanding your network? Are you looking to connect with potential investors, meet co-founders, get advice on a specific business challenge, build your customer base, or simply surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs?
Understanding your objectives will make it much easier to narrow down the networking options that align with your needs. From there, consider factors like:
- The stage of your business (pre-launch, early stage, growth stage, etc.)
- Your industry and target market
- The specific resources and connections you‘re seeking
- Time and financial commitments required
- Location and accessibility of the group
It‘s also a good idea to research reviews and testimonials from current members, and even reach out to the organizers with any questions before committing.
"The most successful entrepreneurs are very intentional about aligning with the right rooms," says business coach and networking expert Leslie Hassler. "They look for groups that share their values, have a proven track record of supporting members, and offer diverse perspectives and connections that can take their business to the next level."
With that in mind, here are 18 entrepreneur networks to consider joining in the coming year:
Networks for Market Research and Competitive Insights
1. HubSpot Network
While not a traditional social network, HubSpot‘s database of over 5 million companies provides a wealth of data for benchmarking your performance and conducting market research. Use the platform to track competitor growth, connect with potential customers or partners, and identify opportunities to improve your own sales and marketing strategies.
Networks for Mentorship and Peer Support
2. Entrepreneurs‘ Organization
With 14,000+ members across 61 countries, EO is a global network of business owners focused on helping each other grow through peer-to-peer learning, mentorship and exclusive events. 84% of members say they‘ve improved as leaders as a result of their involvement. The application process is selective, but benefits include access to executive education, global events, and personalized support from fellow entrepreneurs.
3. SCORE
For over 50 years, this nonprofit has connected small business owners with free, confidential mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs in their industry. SCORE‘s network of 10,000+ volunteer mentors provide guidance both virtually and in-person at 250 local chapters nationwide. The organization also offers free and low-cost education resources like webinars, courses, and guides covering everything from business planning to digital marketing.
4. Vistage
This international coaching organization brings together small groups of 12-16 high-performing CEOs to act as an advisory board for each other‘s businesses. Led by an accomplished business coach, the groups meet monthly to process challenges, vet opportunities, and hold each other accountable to their goals. Vistage boasts an impressive track record, with member companies growing 2.2x faster than average small businesses.
"The support and brutal honesty I get from my Vistage group has been a game-changer for me as a leader," says Rachel Smith, CEO of Geometry Communications. "Knowing I have this team of experienced executives in my corner gives me the confidence to take bold moves and push past obstacles."
Networks for Funding and Venture Capital
5. Young Entrepreneurs Council
YEC is an invitation-only network for founders under 45 running businesses with over $1 million in revenue or financing. Members gain access to media exposure opportunities, discounted business services, a private forum, and a variety of networking events and experiences. The group also runs an on-demand knowledge sharing platform and a virtual mentorship program to support young entrepreneurs.
6. Backstage Capital
While not a traditional network, this venture fund is dedicated to minimizing funding disparities by investing in high-potential founders who are people of color, women, and/or LGBT. To date, Backstage has invested over $15M in more than 175 startups, and it also runs an accelerator program to provide underestimated founders with resources, mentorship, and access to its broad network of investors and corporate partners.
Networks for Social Impact and Sustainability
7. Social Enterprise Alliance
SEA is the champion and key catalyst for the rapidly growing social enterprise movement in the U.S., working to empower purpose-driven entrepreneurs through networking, education, and advocacy. Members gain access to a robust resource library, exclusive events and webinars, discounts on business services, and connections to like-minded founders, investors and customers committed to using business as a force for good.
8. American Sustainable Business Network
Formerly known as the American Sustainable Business Council, this network represents over 250,000 responsible businesses, ranging from Main Street shops to large corporations. ASBN advocates for policies that support a sustainable economy and equitable society, while providing its members with opportunities to connect and collaborate through local networks, working groups, and events. It also offers a variety of resources and toolkits to help sustainable businesses thrive.
"Being part of a community of value-aligned businesses has not only expanded our impact and reach, but inspired us to set bolder sustainability goals," notes Matt Coapman, VP of Marketing at Clif Bar, an ASBN member company. "Knowing we‘re part of a larger movement championing social and environmental responsibility is incredibly energizing."
Networks for Underrepresented Founders
9. Black Girl Ventures
Black Girl Ventures is on a mission to provide Black and Brown woman-identifying founders with access to community, capital, and capacity building to support their entrepreneurial journeys. In addition to a national pitch competition offering up to $10k in funding, BGV connects members with well-suited mentors and business coaches to help level the startup playing field. To date, the network has funded over 130 women of color and helped them raise over $10M in capital.
10. Minority Business Development Agency
Run by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the MBDA is the only federal agency solely dedicated to supporting the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned businesses. The agency operates a national network of business centers and specialty centers that offer customized consulting, mentoring, and access to capital resources. It also runs grant competitions and programs to connect minority entrepreneurs with public and private sector opportunities.
11. National Minority Supplier Development Council
The NMSDC supports Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business owners by connecting them with its network of more than 1,500 corporate members looking to work with certified minority-owned suppliers. Getting MBE (minority business enterprise) certified through the NMSDC unlocks access to sourcing opportunities, executive education and leadership training, mentorship, pitch competitions, and more.
A 2022 NMSDC impact report found that MBEs that are part of the network generate $400 billion in economic output that leads to the creation or preservation of 2.2 million jobs.
12. Female Founder Collective
Founded by designer and entrepreneur Rebecca Minkoff, this network‘s mission is "to enable and empower female owned and led businesses to positively impact our communities both socially and economically." In addition to providing valuable resources and opportunities to connect and collaborate with fellow female founders, FFC allows members to display its seal on their website and products – a powerful way to raise the visibility of women-owned brands among consumers. Over 10,000 companies are part of FFC today.
Networks for Specific Industries and Business Models
13. Zebras Unite
This founder-led, cooperatively owned movement is focused on supporting "zebra" startups – described as purpose-driven and stakeholder-focused, unlike Silicon Valley "unicorns." It welcomes participation from entrepreneurial ecosystem builders of all kinds, from startup founders and investors to attorneys and activists. Members gain access to education and events, collective funding opportunities, community forums, and connections to fellow zebras across industries.
14. The Subscription Trade Association
SUBTA is on a mission to connect, support and grow the subscription commerce economy. Counting big names like Microsoft, Netflix, and Amazon among its members, this network offers a robust array of resources for entrepreneurs running or looking to launch subscription-based businesses, including an annual conference, an educational web series, a partner directory, and expert-led courses. It even launched a Subscription Box Accelerator program to give emerging brands in the space a boost.
"The connections I‘ve made through SUBTA have been instrumental in growing my subscription box businesses," says Donny Salazar, founder of MeUndies and ThreadBeast. "Whether I‘m facing a challenge or looking to take things to the next level, being able to tap into this network of experienced leaders who have been in my shoes is so valuable."
Networks for Global Expansion and Connection
15. Global Entrepreneurship Network
Active in 180+ countries, GEN operates a platform of projects and programs designed to make it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business. From Global Entrepreneurship Week, which reaches millions of people each November, to the GEN Starters Club for early-stage founders, to the Startup Nations policy forum, this network takes a holistic approach to building healthy entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world.
16. Startup Grind
With chapters in 600 cities and 125 countries, this global community is designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs at all stages and across all industries. Powered by Google for Startups, Startup Grind‘s local events feature successful founders, innovators, educators and investors who share lessons learned on the road to building great companies. The network also runs a global conference series, a digital media platform, and partnerships with organizations like Comcast and AWS to provide members with discounts and resources.
"The energy of being surrounded by so many passionate and talented entrepreneurs at Startup Grind events is contagious," says Sonia Kedzierski, co-founder of Aavia Health. "I always leave not only with new ideas and connections, but renewed motivation to push my business forward."
Networks for Learning and Personal Growth
17. The Founder Institute
Claiming the title of world‘s largest pre-seed startup accelerator, the Founder Institute aims to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology businesses worldwide. Through its 4-month program, founders gain the structure, mentorship, and global network needed to get to traction and funding. Local cohort sizes range from 10-50 companies, spread across 6 continents and alumni including fast-growing names like Udemy and Thumbtack.
18. EO Accelerator
Part of the aforementioned Entrepreneurs‘ Organization, EO Accelerator supports early-stage entrepreneurs with between $100k-$1M in revenue by providing them with tools, community and accountability to aggressively grow and master their business. Participants get access to a structured curriculum, group meetings with peers, goal tracking software, and guidance from a hand-selected accountability coach. The program culminates with a real-life business challenge where founders put their learnings to the test.
"EO Accelerator was the single most impactful decision I made as an early entrepreneur," reflects Joshua Hayden, founder of tech company EVAmore. "It completely transformed how I approach running and scaling my business, and gave me a tight-knit group of fellow founders to learn alongside."
Putting It All Together
Clearly, there‘s no shortage of valuable networks out there for entrepreneurs to tap into – this list is really just scratching the surface. But by getting clear on your goals, doing your research, and committing to showing up and engaging authentically, the connections you make in these groups can be truly transformative for your business.
As super-connector and author Jordan Harbinger puts it: "Networking isn‘t about collecting contacts. It‘s about building genuine relationships and providing real value. The most successful entrepreneurs understand that you get what you give."
So whether you‘re just starting out or looking to take your established company to new heights, we encourage you to explore these 18 networks and find the ones that align with your mission and vision. From there, it‘s all about diving in, contributing actively, and being open to the opportunities that emerge.
Because in the wise words of Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn: "No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you‘re playing a solo game, you‘ll always lose out to a team."
Here‘s to building your unbeatable team – one powerful connection at a time.
