Top 25 Business Networking Groups for Women Entrepreneurs

Did you know that women-led businesses are growing at twice the rate of all businesses in the United States? It's an exciting statistic that underscores the rising influence of women entrepreneurs.

In this blog, we'll introduce you to the top 25 business networking groups tailored exclusively for women entrepreneurs, where innovation and collaboration lead the way.

As we explore these women networking groups, you'll discover a world where women come together to support, inspire, and empower one another. From seasoned business owners to fresh startups, these groups offer a melting pot of experiences, ideas, and mentorship. So, get ready to connect with a community of women entrepreneurs who are redefining the rules of business and leaving an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape.

The Growing Popularity of Virtual Networking Groups for Women Entrepreneurs

One trend stands out prominently in recent years – the surge in virtual networking groups designed specifically for women entrepreneurs. This digital revolution has been instrumental in breaking down geographical barriers and expanding opportunities for women in the world of business. Here's why virtual networking is on the rise:

1. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Virtual networking erases the limitations of physical proximity. Women from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of their location, can now access the wealth of resources, knowledge, and connections offered by these groups. It's about inclusivity and making sure no woman entrepreneur is left behind.

2. Flexibility: In a world where time is a precious commodity, virtual women in business networking allows women to connect on their own terms. Whether it's a quick video call during a lunch break or participating in a discussion from the comfort of home, the flexibility of virtual groups accommodates busy schedules and various time zones.

3. Nurturing Confidence: For some, walking into a room filled with strangers can be intimidating. Virtual networking provides a less daunting environment for women to build their confidence, voice their ideas, and make connections. It's a safe space to practice and perfect the art of networking.

4. Diverse Perspectives: Virtual groups attract women from a wide array of industries, backgrounds, and experiences. This diversity enriches discussions, fosters creativity, and offers a broader perspective on entrepreneurship.

5. Expertise Sharing: Through virtual platforms, women entrepreneurs can access an impressive lineup of experts and thought leaders. Webinars, workshops, and discussions are just a click away, offering valuable insights that can propel their businesses forward.

6. Global Reach: With virtual networking, women can expand their reach on a global scale. They can connect with like-minded entrepreneurs not only in their country but across borders, opening up exciting opportunities for international collaboration.

Types of Networking Groups for Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneur professional networking groups cater to different needs, interests, and goals. Here are some common types:

1. Industry-Specific Groups: These are tailored for women entrepreneurs within a particular industry, such as tech, fashion, or healthcare. They delve deep into industry-specific challenges and opportunities, offering invaluable insights.

2. Local and Regional Groups: Geographically focused, these groups bring together women entrepreneurs from a specific area. They foster a sense of community, facilitate in-person meetups, and help women build strong local networks.

3. Affinity Groups: These are based on shared characteristics or experiences, such as being mothers, veterans, or belonging to a specific ethnicity. Affinity groups provide a safe space for women to discuss unique challenges and offer support.

4. Business Stage-Specific Groups: Tailored for women at various business stages, such as startups, mid-sized businesses, or established companies. These groups focus on the specific challenges and opportunities relevant to each stage.

5. Non-Profit and Philanthropic Groups: Many women entrepreneurs are passionate about giving back. These groups connect women who want to make a positive impact on their communities or the world through their businesses.

6. Mastermind and Peer Advisory Groups: These smaller, more intimate groups offer a supportive environment for women to share their business goals and challenges. They provide a valuable space for peer mentoring and accountability.

7. Diversity and Inclusion Groups: These groups aim to foster inclusivity and represent women of diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ women and women of various ethnicities.

8. Professional Associations: Many women entrepreneurs find value in joining established professional associations relevant to their industry, which often provide networking opportunities as part of their membership benefits.

How to Find the Right Business Networking Group For You

Choosing the perfect business networking group can be a game-changer for women entrepreneurs. Here's a step-by-step guide to finding the right fit:

1. Define Your Goals: Start by identifying your networking goals. Are you seeking mentorship, new clients, industry insights, or simply a support network? Knowing your objectives will guide your search.

2. Know Your Industry: Consider whether you want to network within your specific industry or explore cross-industry opportunities. Industry-specific groups for women offer insights and connections relevant to your business.

3. Location Matters: Determine if you prefer local, regional, national, or international networking. Your geographical preference will help narrow down your options.

4. Explore Online Options: In today's digital age, online communities and platforms can be just as effective as in-person networking. Decide if you're looking for virtual or hybrid groups that blend both online and in-person women networking events.

5. Leverage Social Media: Use social media platforms, such as LinkedIn or specialized groups on Facebook, to find and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. These platforms are treasure troves of networking opportunities.

6. Seek Recommendations: Ask fellow women entrepreneurs or colleagues for recommendations. Their firsthand experiences can be invaluable in finding the right group.

7. Consider Values and Culture: Ensure that the group's values and culture resonate with your own. A supportive, inclusive environment can be a game-changer.

8. Evaluate Costs: Some networking groups may have membership fees or event costs. Determine if the investment aligns with the value you'll receive in return.

9. Stay Open-Minded: Be open to trying out different groups. Your ideal fit may not be the first one you encounter, and it's okay to explore multiple options.

10. Network with Purpose: Once you've found the right group, be an active and engaged member. Attend events regularly, contribute to discussions, and offer help and support to other members.

Top 25 Business Networking Groups for Women in 2023

1. Women in Leadership Learning Group - LinkedIn Learning: This dynamic space is where ambitious women gather to explore leadership strategies. It's a hub for connection, collaboration, and learning. Dive into discussions, share insights, and empower each other to climb the ladder of success.
2. Women & Minority: Startups, Founders, CEOs, CXOs, Business Owners & Entrepreneurs: For startups, founders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs with a flair for innovation. Join forces to conquer the startup landscape, foster growth, and explore new opportunities.
3. HerBusiness: Enter a vibrant membership community tailor-made for women entrepreneurs. Network with like-minded souls, access invaluable business training and find the support you need to thrive.
4. Business Chicks - Australia's largest and most influential women's community, empowers women with the tools they need to succeed and advance their businesses, fostering a network where support comes from thousands of women united in their journey.
5. Code Like a Girl - Code Like a Girl, a social enterprise, equips women with the confidence, tools, knowledge, and unwavering support to thrive in the coding world.
6. Femeconomy - Femeconomy is on a mission to harness the potential of consumer and procurement activism to propel gender equality forward. Their vision extends beyond the marketplace, striving for a future with more women in leadership positions.
7. The Wing - Born in the vibrant heart of New York, The Wing, a brainchild of founders Audrey Gelman and Lauren Kassan in 2016, is a groundbreaking network, rapidly evolving into one of the globe's most powerful and influential women's communities, crafting spaces that serve as dynamic hubs where members unite to connect, work, innovate, educate, and collaborate.
8. Inspiring Rare Birds - Inspiring Rare Birds is on a mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. With their educational resources catering to young innovators, their vision extends globally, aspiring to unite one million women entrepreneurs within a thriving and supportive community.
9. SheEO - This is a global initiative with a transformative mission: to revolutionize the way we finance, champion, and provide support to visionary and groundbreaking women who are driving change that brings benefits to all of humanity.
10. Women Unlimited - With a focus on mentoring, education, and networking, their developmental programs lay the foundation for women to excel and drive meaningful results.
11. Lean In Circles - Small, tight-knit groups where peer mentorship, skill-building, and inspiration take center stage. A network of women empowering women.
12. Association of Women Business Centers - Offering a national network of 150 Women's Business Centers, this organization provides training, mentoring, business development, and financing opportunities.
13. Association for Women in Communication (AWC) - With over 1,100 members, AWC is dedicated to elevating the role of women in communications through empowering learning opportunities and fostering connections.
14. eWomenNetwork - Over 2,000 online and in-person events that offer "Accelerated Networking" opportunities for women on the rise in the business world.
15. Women Presidents Organization (WPO) - A membership-based network with a global reach, offering networking and learning opportunities across 137 chapters in the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
16. Ellevate Network - A nationwide hub for women in the workforce, Ellevate Network hosts small business networking events and provides a supportive platform for professional growth.
17. American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) - With over 5,000 business and networking meetings annually across hundreds of cities, ABWA is a cornerstone for women professionals.
18. Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association - This organization is committed to advancing the impact of women in healthcare through networking and educational events.
19. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) - The largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a fierce advocate for women entrepreneurs.
20. Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) - With numerous chapters, OWIT creates opportunities for members to learn, network, and build professional relationships in their business communities.
21. Dames Collective - Breaking down stereotypes of age and gender in the workforce, this open-to-all network empowers women to shatter glass ceilings.
22. Chief - A haven for top women business leaders to connect, strategize, and lead the way in their industries.
23. Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA) - Fostering networking and learning for women in the accounting and finance sectors and encouraging members to join the Coast to Coast Connection (Virtual Chapter).
24. National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) - Representing women entrepreneurs across various industries with nearly 60 chapters and 5,000 members.
25. Financial Women’s Association - Offering workshops, events, and networking opportunities for women in the financial industry.

The Impact of Networking on Your Business

Networking, often dubbed the lifeblood of business, isn't just about the exchanging of business cards and firm handshakes. It's the expressway to new opportunities, be it partnerships, collaborations, or landing those game-changing clients you never knew existed.

Women's business networking events can sometimes feel like a cross between speed dating and a business conference. It's where your elevator pitch gets more practice than an aspiring stand-up comedian at an open mic night. And just like that open mic night, you never know when your next connection will turn out to be the business version of a comedy legend, offering a punchline or two that leaves you in stitches. But hey, that's part of the fun.

Yet, it's not all business; networking plays a pivotal role in boosting your street cred. The more you dive into the networking scene, the more you build up your rep in your industry. People recognize your name, trust your judgment, and suddenly, you're the go-to person. Challenges, when they come knocking, don't seem as daunting because your network turns into your personal think tank, serving up solutions and insights that you might have missed on your own.

Now, let's talk about emotional support. Running a business can be a rollercoaster ride, and it's nice to have a bunch of peers who get it. They've walked in your shoes, they've faced the same battles, and they've celebrated the same victories. Networking for women can be pivotal to keeping you motivated, helping you stay resilient, and reminding you that you're not alone on this crazy ride.

As your network expands, so does your understanding of your audience. You get a backstage pass to market insights that can shape your strategies and keep your business on the cutting edge. Being a visible, engaged player in the professional world also elevates your brand. People remember the folks who show up and participate. It means more opportunities and referrals come your way.

Lastly, let's talk about confidence. Networking forces you out of your comfort zone. You chat with all sorts of folks in women's networking groups, and you find yourself getting better at self-promotion and public speaking. So, never underestimate the power of a strong, well-nurtured network in your business journey.

Network, Connect, Succeed: The Entrepreneur's Journey

So, remember, in the world of business, networking is your not-so-secret sauce for success. It's where you exchange business cards and ideas, transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.

Your network isn't just a collection of contacts; it's an important step of your success journey. So, keep networking, keep meeting empowering women, and keep thriving in your entrepreneurial adventure. Cheers to your journey of growth and success!