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Home Business: networking and support

Networking

Meeting with fellow home business owners and other like-minded professionals can be a huge benefit to your business. For example, you can:

  • Share knowledge, ask questions and seek advice from other home business owners
  • Find opportunities to promote your business and encourage referrals
  • Share your success stories and lessons learned to inspire others
  • Create relationships with other home business owners to help manage feelings of isolation
  • Establish a support network with other local home businesses and commit to help each other in the event of a natural disaster
  • Participate in industry events to keep you actively engaged with updates and developments in your field.

While it might seem hard to find a group of home businesses in your area, you can look for opportunities to meet people through your local Council, professional associations and other organisations. You may also find social media groups or online networks that are run by and for home business owners.

Council

Some Councils provide information, networking and support for home businesses or small businesses. There may be opportunities to participate in welcome events, training sessions, workshops, mentoring programs and/or member groups. For more information, please visit your local Council’s website or contact them directly.

Professional associations

There may be a professional or industry association or peak body that represents your industry. Membership to a professional association can provide a range of support, technical advice and resources specific to your profession. This may also be an opportunity to hear about emerging trends and discover new technologies or techniques to develop your business performance. Some associations are even able to provide group buying power discounts.

Other organisations

There are other networks and forums that provide a way to connect with specialists, coaches and other home businesses.

Your local business chamber may organise promotional events, networking opportunities, seminars and workshops. They may also provide operational support and advice, offer discounts on professional services, or host business awards ceremonies to recognise outstanding local businesses.

You can also search for business advisors and mentors, as well as training, networking events and conferences by visiting business.gov.au

Funding and grants

Grants, loans, rebates and subsidies are available across a range of industries, business types and purposes, including for startups and indigenous businesses. 

The Federal Government’s grant finder tool currently lists more than 500 different grants and programs for businesses, or search for support via the NSW Government’s grant finder. 

Learn more about government grants and support for small business.