Entrepreneur Networking Groups You Should Join in 2026

If you want to grow faster as a founder, you need people — not just ideas. You need mentors who’ve built what you want to build. You need peers who understand your challenges. You need doors that open because someone trusted you enough to make an introduction.

In other words: your network is one of your strongest business assets.

Today’s founders understand that strategic relationships accelerate sales, funding, partnerships, and visibility. That’s why joining the right business networking groups and attending curated entrepreneur networking events can transform your business trajectory.

This guide gives you a clear, practical breakdown of the top networking groups to join in 2026. You’ll learn what each community offers, who it’s best for, how much it costs, and how to decide which ones truly match your goals.

And along the way, you’ll find proven networking strategies from our previous content — like understanding types of networking events and building a powerful career network with intention.

Let’s dive in.

Top Entrepreneur Networking Groups to Join in 2026

Below is a curated list of high-value communities for different types of founders, industries, and stages. The order has been changed per your instructions.

1. Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)

Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is one of the most respected global communities for founders who want structured support and international connections. With 17,000+ members across 60+ countries, EO creates a powerful environment of peer learning, mentorship, and executive-level growth.

What You Get

• Monthly local meetups
• Peer-led forums (a core strength)
• World-class speakers
• Global and regional conferences

EO offers two membership paths:
Local Chapters, which include frequent in-person forums, and Bridge Chapters, which focus on broader regional networks and quarterly meetups.

EO is best for founders who want long-term, structured personal and business development — not just casual networking.

Best For: Established founders with growing teams

Learn More: https://www.eonetwork.org/

2. SCORE

If you want mentorship, SCORE is one of the best free resources available in the U.S. Supported by the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE provides:

• Free 1:1 mentorship
• In-depth webinars and workshops
• Templates, tools, and startup guides

Its volunteer mentors include retired executives, entrepreneurs, and subject-matter experts. Whether you’re launching your first business or modernizing an existing one, SCORE offers high-quality guidance at no cost.

Best For: Early-stage entrepreneurs who need expert mentors

Learn More: https://www.score.org/

3. Chief

Chief helps women in leadership connect, grow, and thrive. Its community includes Fortune 500 executives, startup founders, and rising business leaders.

What makes Chief unique is its executive coaching model. Each member joins a curated peer group led by a trained coach. Members also get access to workshops, meetups, speaker series, and a private networking community.

While the application process is selective, the quality of the network is exceptional.

Best For: Women business leaders seeking a vetted, supportive ecosystem

Learn More: https://chief.com/

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

NASE supports small business owners and solopreneurs with resources typically only accessible to large organizations. Membership includes:

• Free consultations on tax, legal, and healthcare matters
• Access to small business grants
• Business scholarships
• Educational resources

If you want hands-on business support plus a community of independent entrepreneurs, NASE is a solid choice.

Best For: Solopreneurs and small business owners

Learn More: https://www.nase.org/

5. Business Networking International (BNI)

BNI is the world’s largest structured referral networking organization, with more than 10,000 chapters globally. Members meet weekly to exchange referrals, strengthen relationships, and build a long-term referral pipeline.

BNI is process-driven — and it works exceptionally well for founders who rely on referrals. For service providers (consultants, agencies, freelancers, accountants, etc.), BNI is often the most consistent source of warm prospects.

Best For: Referral-driven businesses

Learn More: https://www.bni.com/

6. LinkedIn Groups

If you prefer online networking, LinkedIn Groups give you direct access to thousands of niche communities — from SaaS founders to creative agencies to local entrepreneur groups.

You can use the LinkedIn Group Directory to filter by interest, industry, and location. Start with one or two groups where you can actively contribute — joining too many dilutes your presence.

To maximize LinkedIn, read our guide to relationship networking and apply those strategies inside each group.

Best For: Digital-first professionals and founders

Learn More: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/

7. Founders Network

Founders Network is designed for tech startup CEOs and cofounders. It is selective — and powerful. Members access:

• Founder-to-founder mentorship
• Private discussion threads
• Local and global events
• VC office hours
• Fundraising support

If you’re building a product-led startup, this is one of the most supportive communities available.

Best For: Tech founders building venture-scale companies

Learn More: https://foundersnetwork.com/

8. Startup Grind

Startup Grind focuses on early-stage founders navigating their first years of growth. Membership includes:

• Private Slack community
• Monthly founder calls
• Industry-specific events
• Local meetups
• Access to major conferences

With chapters worldwide, Startup Grind is accessible, supportive, and full of founders who are figuring things out in real time.

Best For: Early-stage founders and startup builders

Learn More: https://www.startupgrind.com/

9. Alignable

Alignable is a huge networking platform (9M+ members) for small business owners. It works particularly well for:

• Local networking
• Referral building
• Lead generation

You can start with the free version and upgrade if you want additional visibility tools.

Best For: Local business owners and service providers

Learn More: https://www.alignable.com/

10. Women in Business

This international community supports women entrepreneurs at all levels. Members get:

• Monthly group coaching
• Foundational courses
• A global community
• An annual virtual summit

It’s accessible, welcoming, and practical for women wanting to grow a business without feeling isolated.

Best For: Early- and mid-stage women entrepreneurs

Learn More: https://womeninbiz.org/

11. Rotary Club International

Rotary isn’t a business networking group — but it attracts business leaders who care about service and impact. Joining a chapter helps entrepreneurs:

• Build leadership skills
• Engage in community projects
• Expand local professional relationships

If giving back matters to you, Rotary offers a meaningful way to connect with like-minded leaders.

Best For: Service-oriented entrepreneurs

Learn More: https://www.rotary.org/

How to Maximize Your Results After Joining a Group

Joining is only step one. You need strategy.

1. Show up consistently

Missed meetings = missed opportunities.

2. Contribute before you ask

Give value in the form of introductions, advice, or resources.

3. Follow up intentionally

Don’t rely on memory — use a digital business card like KADO to stay organized and track new contacts.

4. Document your goals

Clarify why you joined: clients? mentors? partnerships?

5. Attend live events

Research shows 72% of professionals prefer face-to-face networking because it builds higher trust (Source: Forbes).
To choose the right events, use this guide:
Types of Networking Events and Their Proven Benefits.

Final Thoughts: The Right Group Can Change Your Business

Finding your people is one of the most valuable investments you can make. Choose one or two business networking groups that align with your goals, commit to participating consistently, and use events strategically to build meaningful relationships.

And don’t forget to equip yourself with the right tools. A digital business card from KADO makes it easy to share your details, follow up, and stay top of mind — whether you’re at a global conference or an intimate founder meetup.