Groups of business leaders networking with each other
Figuring out how to be a successful entrepreneur can feel like trekking through uncharted territory. But remember, even amidst the challenges and uncertainties, you’re not alone. Thousands of entrepreneurs have come before you, clearing the path as they go and figuring out the best way through.
It’s important to realize success in entrepreneurship isn't just about what you know; it's also about who you know. That's where your network comes in. It's like having a team of seasoned explorers by your side, ready to share their maps, tricks, and survival tips as you navigate the unpredictable terrain of business ownership. Sometimes all you need to change your trajectory is a fresh perspective.
A strong network provides entrepreneurs with essential support and guidance, and it can cultivate opportunities that foster business growth. Recognizing the pivotal role that connections play in an entrepreneur's journey, numerous organizations have been created to foster community and collaboration among aspiring and seasoned business leaders alike.
These entrepreneurial-focused organizations serve as hubs of innovation and knowledge exchange. The right organizations offer resources, mentorship programs, networking events, educational initiatives and so much more. I’ve worked with some of these organizations, have spoken at their events, or they have been highly recommended by trusted connections. Here are some worth looking into:
1. Summit
Summit is an organization dedicated to fostering and expanding community. Members value being surrounded by other high-octane doers, people who share a love for business, building, and doing good in the world. By planning dynamic shared experiences, the community of communities accelerates interconnected collaborations, partnerships, and all types of relationships between others in the global ecosystem. Summit brings together diverse thinkers from around the world to share ideas that make positive change.
This year, in their ever-expanding quest to offer new and unique ways to unite and nourish their community, Summit has launched Membership, a platform to nurture connections, create spaces for meaningful relationships, inspire innovation, and invoke collaboration. It will be their ecosystem platform for global access to events and experiences with Summit’s members worldwide.
2. EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year Program
Ernst and Young has supported ambitious and transformative entrepreneurs worldwide for decades, creating an unrivaled global entrepreneurial ecosystem of thousands of successful pioneering business leaders. EY’s entrepreneurial programs include: Entrepreneur Of The Year, EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women, and EY Entrepreneurs Access Network, which offers Black and Hispanic/Latino leaders access to transcend barriers and scale their businesses. I myself was part of the program when we won the award in 2016 and it truly has been a good experience being a part of the program.
In addition to EY’s entrepreneur programs, every year EY hosts the Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Springs, California. This event unites entrepreneurs and C-suite executives from worldwide industry giants. At this event, attendees can network with entrepreneurs involved with EY’s thriving communities. The Strategic Growth Forum concludes with the Entrepreneur Of The Year U.S. National Awards celebration, the largest gathering of entrepreneurs in America.
The EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women program, is accepting applications and nominations for it’s 2024 class by May 6th, offers specific opportunities for female leaders. This program recognizes female founders who have built profitable companies and are looking to scale. It connects participants with an evergreen community and provides them with the advice and resources they need to grow.
3. Lifestyle Investor
Justin Donald is known as the "Lifestyle Investor" and has gained recognition for his investment strategies that prioritize lifestyle and passive income. I’ve been connected to Justin for a while and I’m always impressed with the resources he brings together to help entrepreneurs make smart investment choices. His approach focuses on creating wealth through various investment opportunities with the goal of achieving both financial independence and a desirable quality of life.
The group aims to help people break free from conventional financial planning and investment approaches, encouraging them to pursue paths that lead to genuine financial freedom and fulfillment.
4. MMT
Since 2013, more than 20,000 entrepreneurs from across the globe have applied to MMT. With their community capped at 250 members annually, MMT is one of the most exclusive entrepreneur groups in the world. They serve many entrepreneurs who go from working in their business, to working on their business.
Some take it further, shifting focus from working on their business, to working on themselves as well. MMT also serves entrepreneurs who want to be better leaders, better partners, better friends, and better members of their communities. By carefully curating for values and supporting a select group of entrepreneurs, MMT is able to provide thoughtfully designed experiences, both virtually and in person.
5. YEC
Founded in 2010, the Young Entrepreneur Council aims to offer business owners a platform for networking, personal growth, and professional development. YEC is an exclusive, member-only organization focused on connecting and promoting the next generation of entrepreneurs. YEC is composed of impactful founders and owners within the entrepreneurial community who are under 45 years of age.
YEC is known for its highly selective membership, comprising entrepreneurs from diverse industries who have demonstrated significant achievements and potential in their respective fields. That’s because YEC is about finding your people, making lifelong connections, and sharing your story. The organization strives to connect entrepreneurs with each other and all the tools needed to build their brand and scale their business.
6. C12 Business Forums
C12 is a well-known Christian organization designed specifically for business leaders and entrepreneurs who are looking to integrate their faith with their business practices. Founded in 1992, C12 stands as the largest network of Christian CEOs, business owners, and executives. They focus on building businesses as a ministry, emphasizing profitability and excellence in the marketplace but also the impact of leading a business according to Christian values.
C12 operates through monthly meetings, where members participate in peer advisory groups led by experienced facilitators. These gatherings are designed to offer support, accountability, and wisdom for making strategic business decisions while fostering a deeper spiritual walk. Members work through a curriculum that covers various aspects of business management and leadership from a Biblical perspective, including operations, finance, human resources, and personal development.
7. YPO
With its impressive roster of over 34,000 members spanning the globe, YPO offers access to a world-class community of peers. This network has been around since 1950, and since then, they’ve focused on sharing experiences, insights, and wisdom among leaders. YPO members are distinguished not just by their titles, but by their commitment to driving meaningful change in their industries, communities, and the wider world. Their members are leaders who have achieved significant leadership success at a young age.
The organization's philosophy that the world needs better leaders resonates deeply within the entrepreneurial spirit. YPO's events are designed to challenge conventional thinking, spark innovation, and inspire action. Entrepreneurs who join YPO find themselves part of an inclusive community, where diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives converge to create a rich tapestry of shared knowledge. This diversity is a goldmine for any entrepreneur, offering fresh insights and new approaches to problem-solving.
8. EO
EO is a global, peer-to-peer network exclusively for entrepreneurs. They have over 17,900 members, and are still growing. It’s purpose-built to help leaders go beyond what they ever thought possible. They aim to empower business owners to grow their companies, improve their leadership skills, and enjoy personal development.
As far as membership goes, they welcome successful, established, business owners of every sector. This creates a wonderfully diverse global network of leaders. Another nice aspect of this organization is that they focus support on the whole of an entrepreneur — beyond the business — because thriving companies come from thriving people.
EO provides access to executive education programs, global events, and mentorship opportunities. These programs are designed in partnership with leading educational institutions and thought leaders around the world. You might have also heard of them because they host the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, which is a competition for students worldwide who own and operate a business while attending college.
9. Front Row Dads
Work-life balance is important, but balancing the daily operations of a business alongside the responsibilities of being a parent is no easy task. This organization creates an intentional space where high-capacity “family men with businesses” can build powerful relationships and find helpful resources that serve their families for generations to come.
Front Row Dads gives fathers in business a chance to connect with one another. Through conversations and events, members gain a motivational perspective on prioritizing the most important things in life. It’s described as a brotherhood, and for a good reason. By joining, you’ll put hundreds of men in your corner and form relationships that impact how you think about your responsibilities.
10. BabyBathwater
Founded in 2014 with organic growth, The Baby Bathwater Institute is a unique underground haven for founders in the pivotal 5-25 million grow and scale phase who've transitioned from the initial hustle of entrepreneurship to that of strategic leadership.
This founder-only community unites visionaries across industries, offering both exclusive events and a deeper, annual membership for nurturing long-term professional and personal growth.
Members appreciate the emphasis on quality connections and the supportive, "we got your back" atmosphere, devoid of the "old boys club" mentality. The gatherings are memorable, set in secluded, all-inclusive locations with live music, good food, and unforgettable experiences. This network is built on genuine care, aiming to support leaders striving for professional excellence and a balanced, enriching life. If you're at this critical juncture, seeking not only business expansion but also personal fulfillment, Baby Bathwater offers a unique, caring environment for like-minded entrepreneurs.
Get Connected
In a journey as lonely and daunting as entrepreneurship can often be, having a supportive network of fellow leaders and helpful resources can make all the difference. The organizations highlighted above, each with their own unique offerings and communities, stand ready to welcome entrepreneurs into a fold where collaboration and growth are the norms.
Whether you're seeking to deepen your business acumen, expand your professional network, or align your entrepreneurial endeavors with personal values and lifestyle goals, there's a community out there for you. Remember, the path of entrepreneurship is one best traveled with allies who can share in your challenges, celebrate your victories, and push you toward greater achievements.
