Women’s business networks remain one of the most practical investments you can make as a woman running a business in the UK. Whether you need referrals, funding introductions, peer accountability or simply people who understand the realities of payroll, pitching and childcare, the right network can shorten your path to growth.

The evidence is clear. The State of Women’s Enterprise 2025 report found that more women are starting businesses than a decade ago, but fewer are moving from startup to scaleup. Networks help close that gap by surfacing opportunities that rarely appear on job boards or investor databases.

The funding gap is another reason networking matters. The British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Markets 2023/24 report found that all-female founder teams received less than 2% of UK venture capital investment. Warm introductions remain the most common route to investment, and women founders are less likely to have existing links to angel syndicates or venture capital firms. A well-chosen network puts you in rooms where those introductions happen.

The trend is particularly pronounced among older women. Our analysis of ONS data on self-employed women over 50 shows that women over 50 are one of the fastest-growing groups of self-employed workers in the UK. For these founders, networks provide a vital alternative to traditional career structures and a way to access clients without relying on former employer networks.

The economic case is also strong. The 2019 Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship estimated that removing barriers for women founders could add up to £250 billion to the UK economy. Networking is a low-cost, high-return way to start removing those barriers, and the government’s Invest in Women Taskforce, launched in 2024, is now taking forward that agenda.

Choosing the right women’s business network

Networks vary in style, sector focus and cost. Some are built around structured referrals and lead generation; others are informal social groups, sector-specific communities or online peer-support spaces. Most charge modest membership or meeting fees, but referral-based networks can be expensive.

Before you join, ask yourself what you need right now: new clients, practical advice, confidence, accountability, or simply the company of people who understand the challenges of running a business. Visit as a guest once or twice before committing, and be sure the format suits your business and your personality. Many UK groups now run a mix of in-person and online events, making it easier to fit networking around work and caring responsibilities.

Online women’s business networks

These networks were founded online or operate primarily through digital platforms. They can be especially helpful if you live in a rural area, work unusual hours, or prefer to build relationships before attending face-to-face events.

• sistr, an app for professional women who want to mentor and support each other, with online events and resources. Free to sign up.
• Female Entrepreneur Association, global resources, training and a peer network for women building businesses.
• Bossbabe, online resources and connections aimed at millennial women entrepreneurs.
• Single Mums Business Network, brings single mothers in business together for support and shared promotion. Runs online and in-person events with local coordinators in some areas.
• Brand Visibility Network for Empathetic Women in Business, Facebook community focused on collaboration rather than competition; a space to promote your business and gain support.

UK networks for women in business

These organisations run regular local, regional or national meetings across the UK. Many also offer online events, mentoring and member-only resources.

• Association of Scottish Businesswomen, umbrella organisation for business and professional women’s clubs throughout Scotland.
• Business Women’s Link, friendly network for women working for themselves or in larger organisations, with social and corporate events across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.
• Business Babble, supports and empowers women in business in Royston, Hitchin and surrounding Hertfordshire areas. Fun, friendly and affordable.
• Business Women In…, monthly in-person and online meetings across Wiltshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Berkshire, plus active Facebook groups.
• East London Creative Women Business Network, peer-to-peer network for women business leaders in the arts and creative sectors in East London. Meets monthly; free or low cost.
• Female Founders Forum, connects some of the UK’s most inspirational women founders with high-growth founders.
• Female Founders Rise, London-based community of women founders offering support, funding advice and events to build sustainable businesses.
• Found & Flourish, community, events and resources for women founders building scalable businesses in the UK.
• Forward Ladies, networking events, awards and development programmes for women in business across the North of England and beyond.
• Ladies Who Latte, free, informal get-togethers at locations mainly across England. No speakers, no agenda, no meeting fee.
• Norwich Business Women’s Network, friendly monthly networking for businesswomen and women in corporate roles in Norwich and Norfolk.
• Sapphire Business Club, supportive learning environment helping businesswomen in Hertfordshire make connections and grow.
• The Athena Network, national referrals-focused network run by local franchisees.
• The Women’s Association, community and events designed to connect, support and champion women in business.
• Women’s Business Club, national network providing support, resources and networking opportunities for women in business.
• The Women in Business Network, referrals-based network with groups across the UK managed by local franchisees.
• 1230 The Women’s Company, franchise-based lunchtime networking meetings and events in London, Kent and surrounding areas.
• WiRE, Women in Rural Enterprise, the national business club for rural women in business.
• Women in Business NI, network for women in business across Northern Ireland.
• Women in Golf & Business, regular networking groups, events and retreats supporting women through the professional, personal and well-being benefits of golf.
• Women in Management, run by the Chartered Management Institute, offering events across the UK for women managers and leaders.
• Women Mean Biz, for professional women in Bristol, Bath and North Somerset.
• WIN, networking events and awards for women in the North East of England.
• Blooming Founders, community and events for women founders and women building scalable businesses in the UK.

International networks for women in business

If you trade overseas or want a global perspective, these international networks can open doors to new markets, mentors and buyers.

• Women’s Executive Network (WXN), professional development and networking events in cities across Canada and Dublin, Ireland.
• Driven Woman, groups for professional and entrepreneurial women in the UK, France, Switzerland, Australia, the USA and India.
• WEConnect International, global network connecting women-owned businesses to corporate buyers around the world.

Making networking work for your business

Joining a network is only the first step. Set a simple goal for each event, whether that is one meaningful conversation, one follow-up meeting or one piece of feedback on your pitch. Track which groups produce real outcomes, and do not be afraid to move on if the chemistry is wrong.

For more guidance on building connections, see our Women’s Business Networking Events UK: Autumn 2026 Guide. If you run a women’s business network and would like to be added to this directory, please get in touch.