Keeping up to date with a changing business environment & technology, avoiding isolation if working alone or from home and sourcing new customers are all challenges faced by small business owners.

Joining business networking groups can be a way to keep up with these aspects of business in an enjoyable way. Below we list some of the many groups available to you. Some networks operate free, whilst others do charge a fee to members.

Local Small Business Network Groups

• The Athena Network launches in the Hills District on 9th March 2010!!


• The Athena Network offers businesswomen a local community in which they can create connections and build a network. It also offers access to business & personal development where members enjoy the benefits of shared knowledge and experience with the ultimate aim “to have women in business prosper”.
• At the heart of the membership package is the monthly lunch - a motivating, inspiring and energetic meeting focused on providing an intention and structure that will have you and your business flourish.
• The Athena Network has built a reputation as the UK’s premier business networking organisation for women and is now establishing an international network that offers local communities to connect across the world.
• Monthly lunches will commence in various locations in the Hills District from April 2010.
• For more information please see www.theathenanetwork.com.au or call Danita Needleman on 0401 001 265
• We hope to see you there!

• Blacktown Business Network (BBN)


• BBN is an informal group of local businesses that get together regularly to grow their businesses.
• BBN is a voluntary group, non-political, with no elections, no treasurers and FREE.
• Events are held regularly (once every 1-2 months) on a Tuesday evening at The Blacktown Workers, 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown 6.00pm for 6.30pm start
  Meetings have guest speakers, fun network games, free business education and superb food and wine and its all FREE.
• At each meeting we will have a sponsor that will promote their business or venue. A sponsor has to have attended at least 3 meetings.
• Web: www.blacktownbusiness.net

• Independent Business Network - IBN Inc.


• IBN Inc is a non-profit networking group, supported by Hills Shire Council Economic Development Team
• IBN Inc. meets on the third Thursday of the month at the Hills Shire Council Chambers
• Contact Julie Warner on 8850 4908 for membership enquiries
• Website: www.independentbusinessnetworkinc.com

• Sydney Women's Network


• Sydney Women's Network are member-based groups aimed at connecting local business women in the Hills, Parramatta, Blacktown, Hawkesbury, Penrith, Five Dock, West Ryde, Central Coast, Hornsby, Liverpool, Manly - Northern Beaches areas.
• Contact Cindy Steele on 0414 392 004 Email: cindy@sydneywomensnetwork.com.au or Natalie Moutia Email: natalie@sydneywomensnetwork.com.au for further details or visit the website for membership forms.
• Event details may be found on the Small Business Events page or on the Sydney Women's Network website:
• Web: www.sydneywomensnetwork.com.au

www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au also has a number of local networking groups listed, including the following:-

• Business Advisory Services (BASI) Incorporated - Western Sydney


• BASI holds regional network breakfast meetings in Western Sydney (Blacktown) on the first Wednesday of every month from 7.00am to 8.45am. 
• The meeting provides participants with opportunities to network with prospective customers;  meet with competitors to ensure sound marketing positioning;  be kept up-to-date with legislative changes;  be kept up-to-date with local council and town planning developments;  and be a voice in the development of the business community. 
• For more information refer to the BASI website at www.basi.com.au , phone 9687 6944, email info@basi.com.au or fax 9687 6955.

• Rotary Clubs are service clubs which exist to collectively help others. However, they also provide opportunities for networking for professionals. Below are details of a new club which has opened in Rouse Hill.


• New Rotary Club - Rouse Hill
• Every week on Fridays 7am-8.15am
• Location: Mean Fiddler Hotel, Greenway Room, off Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill
• Rotary has a breakfast club at Rouse Hill to provide opportunities for business and professional people to meet and network on their way to work.
• Meetings feature an interesting variety of speakers covering a wide range of topics and a light breakfast.
• Rotary consists of a cross section of every business community, its members come from all walks of life.   
• Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.
• Email classau@ozemail.com.au if wishing to attend
• Rotary at a glance: 33,099 clubs in 207 countries, 532 Districts.