For a long time, I thought running a business meant doing great work. I was wrong. More than great work, it’s also about who you know.
Knowing the right people helps to be part of the right circle. That’s what business networking is all about.
Now, you might be thinking, “I don’t even know where to start. Do these groups actually help?” I get it. If you’ve ever Googled “business networking groups in India,” you’ve probably seen a bunch of names, but no real clarity on what’s what.
In this blog, I’ve listed 13 genuine business networking groups in India that small business owners like you are a part of. I’ve also added a few tips to help you pick the right group and what to expect when you join one.
So if you’re feeling stuck or just tired of figuring things out alone, keep reading. This could be one of the best moves you make for your business.
Now, before you jump into any group, let’s pause for a second.
Not every networking group is the right fit for every business. Some are too salesy. Some are too formal. Some just don’t feel right. So, how do you pick one that actually helps your business grow?
Here are a few simple things to check before joining…
Are they small business owners like you? Or big corporates and consultants who may not relate to your day-to-day challenges?
You want a group where people genuinely want to help each other, not just sell to each other.
If their last meeting or update was 3 months ago, skip it. A good group meets regularly, weekly, bi-weekly, or at least monthly.
Sometimes, being in a group with people from your own city can be more useful than one that’s spread across the country.
Some groups are free. Some have annual fees. Some expect you to attend every meeting. Check if it works for your schedule and budget.
I will give you a bonus tip…
Try visiting as a guest if the group allows it. You’ll get a feel of the energy before making a decision.
While the right people can open new doors, the real challenge is knowing which door to walk through first. Before you dive into networking, make sure you know exactly what you need help with.
BNI is one of the most popular and structured business networking platforms in the world, and it’s grown massively in India over the past few years.
If you prefer to know about building proper system, regular weekly meetings, and clear business goals (mainly around giving and receiving referrals), this could work well for you.
They have chapters in almost every major Indian city. Each group only allows one person per business category, which means you don’t compete with others in the same field.
That said, BNI isn’t free. There’s a joining fee and annual membership cost, and they expect you to attend meetings regularly. But for many small business owners, the leads and relationships they build here make it worth it.
MSME Business Forum India, as its name suggests, is tailor-made for micro, small, and medium business owners across India.
It also supports business growth, funding, compliance, and government schemes. However, one of the most underrated parts of this forum is the kind of people you get to meet.
You’ll find fellow MSME owners from manufacturing, retail, services, and more who understand the daily hustle just like you. They conduct webinars, panel discussions, and virtual events where you can connect with others in a meaningful way, without the pressure of forced referrals.
Most people know Rotary for its social work, but it also has a strong business connect side, especially if you join a Rotary club with an active business networking culture.
The vibe here is more relaxed and focused on building long-term relationships. It’s not a referral club, and no one is aggressively pushing business cards, but over time, members naturally support each other’s businesses.
If you’re someone who values trust and slow-but-steady relationship building, this is a space worth exploring.
IBN focuses on connecting business owners across India through regular virtual meet-ups and networking events.
It’s great if you want to start meeting people online without the commitment of in-person meetings just yet.
Many MSMEs join IBN to find partners, clients, suppliers, or to bounce ideas off other business owners. They’re also known for keeping things simple and easy to access, perfect for someone just beginning to explore networking.
CIMSME might sound very formal, and in some ways, it is. But it’s one of those groups where business networking happens around larger activities like policy advocacy, government schemes, and trade forums.
If your business is growing and you want to stay updated on MSME developments, meet fellow entrepreneurs in your sector, and attend events where decisions are made, this group brings real value.
eChai is a more casual and community-driven network, known for its offline and online events that bring business owners together to learn, share, and connect.
It originally focused on entrepreneurs and startups, but over time, even MSME owners in services, food, and retail have found it helpful.
You know what the best part is? You don’t need a polished brand to be part of it. Just join an event, show up, and talk about your work.
That’s it… You’ll find people like you trying to grow, figure things out, and genuinely connect.
FLO is part of the larger FICCI body, but it’s designed specifically for women in business.
It doesn’t matter whether what business you run. It might be a boutique, a coaching centre, or a mid-size company. FLO gives you access to a community of strong, driven women across India.
They regularly conduct speaker sessions, networking lunches, and knowledge-sharing events where all business owners can connect and collaborate.
Many women join FLO not just for business leads, but for support, mentorship, and visibility.
While TiE is often linked with startups, many traditional business owners join their events, talks, and mentorship programs to learn and network.
The strength of TiE lies in its knowledge-driven approach. So if you like learning while networking, you’ll probably enjoy this.
TiE chapters often host panel discussions and pitch events where you can meet fellow business owners, industry veterans, and mentors.
It’s especially helpful if you’re in a phase of business where you’re open to exploring partnerships, collaborations, or new markets.
This is one of the few groups that is completely focused on small and micro businesses in India.
This group has a strong presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and is deeply rooted in traditional business communities, especially in sectors like manufacturing, trade, and local services.
They organise regional meets, buyer-seller forums, and business summits that feel more like a gathering of peers rather than a formal networking setup.
If you want to connect with other MSMEs like yours, this one’s a solid bet.
WICCI is a newer but fast-growing platform focused on helping women in business across different industries.
What makes it interesting is that it has sector-wise councils. So if you’re in fashion, education, wellness, etc., you’ll be placed in a network with people from your world.
It’s a great way to grow professionally, meet like-minded women, and also get featured in larger national conversations about women-led businesses.
If you already use Trade India to list your products or services, their offline events and networking meets are worth checking out.
They focus on B2B connections, so you’ll mostly meet other manufacturers, traders, distributors, and service providers.
These events are practical, fast-paced, and focused on finding real business opportunities rather than just “networking” for the sake of it.
Almost every city has a Chamber of Commerce, like Bangalore Chamber of Commerce, Indore Chamber of Commerce, and so on.
These may not always be on social media, but they host serious networking events, industry mixers, and policy discussions.
You’ll meet real, experienced business owners here, many of whom don’t post online but run highly successful businesses.
Don’t underestimate these local gatherings. They’re often packed with useful conversations and potential partnerships.
Yes, these count too.
There are hundreds of active WhatsApp groups and Facebook communities where small business owners across India share leads, referrals, and vendor contacts every day.
Just search for terms like “Business Network India,” “Women in Business,” or your city name + “Business Group” and request to join.
These are free, low-pressure, and perfect for first-timers who want to ease into networking without showing up anywhere physically.
| S.No | Feature | Online Networking Groups in India | Offline Networking Groups in India |
| 1. | Accessibility | Can join from anywhere. You just need your phone or laptop. | Need to travel to the location. Limited to your city or region. |
| 2. | Comfort Level | Great for beginners. Less pressure and more flexibility. | Can feel more personal and trustworthy with face-to-face connections. |
| 3. | Time Commitment | Usually flexible. Weekly/monthly Zoom calls or WhatsApp updates. | Often require regular in-person attendance, sometimes early mornings. |
| 4. | Cost | Mostly free or low-cost. | Some require membership fees, especially structured ones like BNI. |
| 5. | Type of Networking | Good for building a wide network, pan-India or sector-specific. | Better for local, trusted connections and stronger relationship building. |
| 6. | Referrals & Leads | Slower, but steady. It works well if you’re active in groups and engaged. | Faster if you build trust, many members pass referrals quickly after a few meetings. |
| 7. | Learning Opportunities | Lots of webinars, virtual events, and knowledge-sharing sessions. | Many have guest speakers, workshops, and hands-on learning through meet-ups. |
| 8. | Follow-ups & Relationship | Easy to stay in touch via messages or DMs, but may lack depth if not consistent. | Stronger bonds as you meet the same people regularly and interact face to face. |
| 9. | Best For | Solopreneurs, new networkers, businesses with online focus, or those with limited time. | Established businesses, service providers, and anyone who values local, trusted circles. |
You might be thinking, “Which one is better?”.
Honestly, do both if you can.
Start online if you’re new to networking. Move to offline when you’re ready to build deeper connections in your city.
You know how people say, “your network is your net worth”? Turns out, they’re not wrong.
According to a LinkedIn global survey, 85% of professionals say networking helped them land new opportunities or grow their business.
For small business owners, networking is about finding people you can trust, learn from, and grow with.
Here’s how you can network effectively.
Whether it’s a weekly Zoom call or a monthly offline event, just being there regularly builds familiarity. People don’t refer to strangers. They refer to those they remember.
Instead of saying “I run XYZ Pvt Ltd,” try “I help people who want home-cooked food but don’t have time to cook.” It’s more relatable and opens up real conversations.
The fastest way to build trust? Show interest in the other person first. Ask what they do and what kind of clients they’re looking for. Then talk about what you offer.
Though Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to get leads and close deals, most small business deals don’t close on email. They close on WhatsApp.
Follow up, say thank you, share updates, and keep conversations alive. Just don’t spam.
Keep a simple Google Sheet with people you’ve met, what they do, and how you can help each other. You don’t need a CRM, just basic notes, so you don’t forget names and context.
One of the golden rules of networking: help someone else grow, and chances are, they’ll remember you when the right opportunity comes up.
Send a lead, connect two people… whatever you can.
Sometimes, nothing happens for the first few meetings. That’s okay. People need time to know you, trust you, and eventually think of you when an opportunity shows up.
All the tips above will help you connect with the right people. But if the root cause of your stress is a lack of clear systems, you’ll find yourself fighting the same fires over and over again, no matter who you know. If you’re ready to move from hustling for leads to building a system that attracts them, this is your next step.
There’s no shortage of business networking groups in India, but the right one can truly change how you grow.
Don’t overthink…just pick one from the list above, join in, and start meeting people. Because in business, sometimes the best growth comes from who you know.
None can destroy iron, but its own rust can! Likewise, none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can.
Former chairperson of the Tata Group
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