This group is seeking Bradford business owners and local entrepreneurs interested in making new connections.
The local chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) Business Elite is inviting all residents to join them in celebrating International Networking Week on Feb. 5 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. in the upstairs multi-purpose room at the BWG Leisure Centre, 471 West Park Ave.
The event is set to include a light breakfast with coffee and other refreshments, starting with time for guests to mingle, meet members and network before each business owner in attendance is offered the chance speak about their business and what they’re looking for in terms of clients.
“If you are wanting to grow your network and gain potential clients and collaborate with like-minded individual’s then this is the place to be,” Catarina Santos said via email.
As a long-standing member of the local BNI who sits on its membership committee and owns Santos Hair Studio, she explained running a small business can sometimes be isolating.
“Having 15 other business owners/entrepreneurs to talk with every week can really open up a whole other world of ideas and perspectives that can be very helpful,” she said.
First formed in June 2011, the Bradford chapter of BNI currently has 16 members, and unlike other networking groups only allows one member from each profession to join.
The top 10 classifications of members they’re looking to add includes:
- accountant/bookkeeper
- real estate lawyer
- business coach
- videographer/photographer
- event venue planner
- physiotherapist/massage therapist
- trades such as electrician, painter or plumber
- general contractor
- property manager
- dentist
- audiologist
There is a $1,200 cost to join, which includes an initiation package and onboarding costs.
Founded in 1985, BNI is a global business networking organization whose members help each other grow their businesses through weekly meetings, referrals and access to training and mentorship, according to BNI’s Ontario Central North website.
There is no cost to attend the event on Feb. 5, and anyone interested can register by contacting [email protected].
More information about the local chapter can be found on their website or Facebook page.