Useful networking links
You don't need to develop an idea on your own. In fact, using both the people around you and the right experts can make all the difference.
Sometimes you can gather friends and family for practical hands-on help, other times you need to access the expertise of people who are a few steps further down the road.
You can throw in your good ideas, start a great thread or just join in with excellent message-board banter. Hundreds of like-minded people are just a mouse-click away.
Online business networks
The growth of the internet has spawned a plethora of online forums. These forums are a great way to network with like minded people. We have selected a few of them that we hope you will find useful.ecademy.com Registered by Julian Bond, Ecademy is a Social Network for Business People founded in 1998 with over 100,000 members worldwide. Sign up for a guest account which gives you access to their small business related blogs, articles and advice from those in the know. In order to build your own networks, there is likey to be a membership fee.
soflow.com Registered to Soflow Ltd. this website offers a range of different online networks and the chance to meet like-minded business people online and in person.
startups.co.uk Published by Crimson Business Ltd, who also publish a magazine called Growing Business, the UK’s most popular magazine for entrepreneurs. Launched in 2001, this website offers advice and information, blogs and discussions about starting and running your own business. They have published a series of articles on networking related topics.
www.disabled-entrepreneurs.net In 2001, The Association of Disabled Professionals established the Disabled Entrepreneurs’ Network (DEN) to provide networking opportunities, work related mentoring and information services for self-employed disabled people and those setting up and running their own small businesses.
Networks for Female Entrepreneurs
seednetwork.com Founded by author and PR Guru Lynne Franks, SEED is based on her international best-seller, The SEED Handbook, the feminine way to create business. SEED stands for Sustainable Enterprise and Empowerment Dynamics.
auroravoice.com Aurora provide corporate employer brand and recruitment advertising services, and business product/service marketing to niche targetted markets. For conferences and networking events aimed at encouraging women to start and run small businesses. They have also set up a discussion forum for current or potential women business owners seeking entrepreneurial information, advice and a supportive community for asking questions, sharing resources and helping each other with business leads, new clients and using each other's companies for business products and services.
wbn.org.uk Women's Business Network (North West) Ltd supports the creation of new business networks for women in the North West of England and links these networks together to enable the sharing of good ideas and the expansion of business contacts across the region.
everywoman.co.uk The property of Everywoman Limited, this site is a leading provider of resources and support services for women in business.
networkingwomen.co.uk Women Into the Network was initially set up as a North-East based business networking initiative, which aimed to facilitate the development of women’s businesses throughout the region. This not-for-profit organisation is currently funded by various organidations including Barclays, One NorthEast and Business Link. Their site, hosted by Durham Business School at Durham University, advertises networking events for women in business, provides a directory of women in business and an advice and support centre.
ruralwomen.org.uk The Rural Women’s Network (RWN) was set up in 2001 through Voluntary Action Cumbria and the North West of England to help women in Cumbria realise their full potential through business support and the development of personal and workplace skills.
chwaraeteg.com Chwarae Teg was established in 1992 to support, develop and expand the role of women in the Welsh economy. Initially set up by a consortium of public sector agencies Chwarae Teg is now a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. Chwarae Teg draws funds from the Welsh Assembly Government, Europe, the Welsh Development Agency and the National Council – ELWa to support projects designed to help women overcome the barriers and raise the profile of these issues.
nbwn.org The National Black Women's Network Support, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising the status and position of black women in all walks of life. If you are running your own business, part of an organisation, or just thinking of going it alone, then you need a network of people to provide consultation and support. Membership of the National Black Women's Network will help you to develop, promote and support career ambitions in line with your business aims and objectives. Full Membership is £25:00 per person.
wireuk.org Women in Rural Enterprise or WiRE has been offering business support to rural women since 1996. Today WiRE is a national business club for rural women, offering a dynamic member package of practical and specific business services and support for women in rural enterprise. Full membership is from £30.00 per year.
prowess.org.uk Established in 2002, Prowess is a non-profit making organisation limited by guarantee who support the growth of women's businesses. Their income comes from a variety of contracts, including the DTI and European Social Fund as well as their own training and development services.
efbwbo.net European Federation of Black Women Business Owners is the Europena arm of the National Federation of Black Women Business Owners based in Washington DC. This black women's motivational organization, which has been in operation in the UK since October 1996. EFBWBO is sponsored by Business Link, The London development Agency as well and the learning and skills council.
gwiin.com The Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN) is a subsidiary of the Professional Family Woman's Network Ltd based in the United Kingdom, is a global network which aims to increase the number of innovative women embracing enterprise.
pfwn.org.uk The Professional Family Women's Network Ltd focuses on issues for women with families, you won't be excluded if you don't have kids. They offer training and seminars and promote networking opportunities.
forwardladies.com Forward Ladies is a business support network for women in business or employment. They offer a range of events including networking, inspirational speakers, training, mentoring, coaching, business support and international trade visits.
Networks for social entrepreneurs
can-online.org.uk If you've got an idea that would transform the lives of a deprived community, the chances are CAN can help.
unltd.org.uk Unltd is a charity which supports social entrepreneurs - people with vision, drive, commitment and passion who want to change the world for the better. They do this by providing a complete package of funding and support, to help these individuals make their ideas a reality.
Nearbuyou.co.uk Registered by The Guild, Nearbuyou is the social trading network for social enterprises in England. Find tenders, offers and requests or search for social enterprises near you. All member services are free to social enterprises.
the-guild.co.uk Based in Norwich, The Guild works with many local organisations and individuals in the East of England. The Guild was formed in 1991 by Nicky Stevenson and Sally Kelly and has established a national reputation as a leading support organisation within the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors.
globalideasbank.org The Global Ideas Bank's origins lie in the Institute for Social Inventions, which was set up in 1985 by Nicholas Albery. TYoday, this not-for-profit website is part suggestion box, part networking tool, part democratic think-tank and part inspirational entertainment!
Young people's networks
ideasfactory.com If your big idea is in music, TV or film, Ideas Factory from Channel 4 give you access to the latest buzz in the entertainment industry.
shell-livewire.org Enterprising people from all over the country are logging on to the Shell LiveWIRE's Forum with good ideas, great threads and excellent messageboard banter. You will have to register.
alchemyclub.co.uk The Alchemy Club is the first business network run by 14-25 year olds, for entrepreneurial 14-25 year olds in Lancashire.
makeyourmarkconnect.org The Make Your Mark campaign's free networks listings website is all about promoting and supporting local networking activity. This is the place to get in touch with the people who can turn good ideas into a concrete reality.
Get your own network working
Setting up a network online is an easy way to share ideas, opinions and information with other entrepreneurs. Find out how you can create a group within MSN and AOL, below.
groups.msn.com MSN Groups are free websites that are created and managed by other people just like you.
groups.aol.co.uk AOL make it super easy to build your network by offering a free, private area where you can connect with friends and family. In your group, you can:
- Share Photos With Family - Post photos and talk about them online.
- Post Messages With Friends - You can leave private notes in your Group throughout the day.
- Plan Group Events - Plan parties, outings and more with a shared calendar.