Business

29 Business Networking Sites You’ll Need to Grow Your Business

Published

14 years ago

January 13, 2013

_{This article is reprinted from E.i. Geek with permission.}

In case you’re growing bored of the “big three” social networks (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn), take comfort in knowing that there are plenty of other networking sites that can help you and your business succeed.

While the big three are indeed important, it’s sometimes more refreshing to enter uncharted territory and find fellow entrepreneurs, and even widen your prospect or audience net.

If you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur hungry for more clients or more knowledge (or both), print this list out and visit these business network sites. They’re the success boost you’re looking for.

Here are 29 business networking sites that can expand your network:

APSense: a self-proclaimed “web 2.0 enabled social network” designed to help entrepreneurs discover each other’s businesses. You can create your own content, create a private network, and create business partnerships.

Biznik: the site name means “fellow business person,” and it’s a haven for solopreneurs to support each other, collaborate, and network. According to the site, “if your business is an extension of your self-expression, then you’ve found the right home.”

The site has three subscription options: Basic (search-optimized profile and light participation), PRO (professional profile, full participation access, and create your own content), and ProVIP (an enhanced professional profile, search-optimized participation, and editorial support for created content).

Care2: if you or your business focus(es) on making a difference in the community or world at large (e.g. going green), this network is for you.

Cofoundr: a global network site dedicated to startup entrepreneurs, offering exclusive deals to help ‘treps save money and make valued connections to facilitate startup success.

Company.com: a site that not only provides intra-company networking services, but also aims to increase your company’s Google PageRank as well. Company.com offers to use its PageRank 8 (PR8) status to help get your site on Page 1 in Google search.

DOOSTANG: the “Ladders” for grads from top colleges, minus the “$100K+” minimum, it appears more a job site than a business network site.

Ecademy: a British business network site with global reach and accessibility, fostering connections online that can meet in person at various networking events worldwide.

The site has three subscription options: Free (view others’ content and establish connections), PowerNetworker (establish connections and create your own content), and BlackStar (the exclusive club that gives you the ability to meet offline at events).

EFactor (EFactor Corp.): claims to be the world’s largest entrepreneurial community, with over one million members (competition for LinkedIn’s 175 million, I suppose). EFactor’s unique selling proposition (USP) is its algorithm leading you to the connections your business needs instead of just connecting you to people you might know.

Entrepreneur Connect (site currently closed for redesign): business magazine Entrepreneur’s online community where ‘treps can connect, collaborate, and communicate with each other.

FledgeWing: a network for new entrepreneurs and students to build their business ideas and bounce them off the community to develop them into viable, pitch-able businesses, or collaborate on an already-existing project. The home page even has an ideas section in which anyone can post business ideas.

JASEzone: a network site that follows LinkedIn’s premise, but is a much smaller community.

Konnects: if you’re in the media or journalism fields, Konnects is a good network for you, and is especially helpful for promotion. The site states it’s “the only social media platform designed for local newspapers.”

LinkedIn (of course): perhaps the most important platform of the “big three”, LI is the most renowned global business network around, and its Premium membership is well worth the monthly payment, facilitating cold prospecting (via InMail) and leveraging existing connections to turn cold prospects into clients through introductions, recommendations, and now skill endorsements.

NetParty: this network arranges after-hours networking parties/functions at stylish clubs and venues for young ‘treps.

Networking for Professionals: a well-rounded (and slightly older) business network that fosters communication, connections, and partnerships, even providing a place for members to post resumes. Membership is mostly paid (with a few free exceptions in some states).

PartnerUp: the site’s description sums it up nicely: “the social network for small business.” Connect, find opportunities, partner with other business owners to expand yours, offer support, and even find real estate for your business if you’re brick-n-mortar.

PerfectBusiness: according to the site, “Our[s] is a network of entrepreneurs, investors and business experts. Everyone on our site is here to encourage entrepreneurship and mutual success.”

Plaxo: put simply, Plaxo is the address book on steroids, automatically updating your contacts’ info for you when they move, get a new job, or join a new social network.

PROskore (formerly Fast Pitch): the business network that measures your professional influence and ability as a business. As the TechCrunch article calls it, it’s “LinkedIn + Klout + Leads Generation”.

Ryze: Founded in 2001 by Adrian Scott, founding investor for Napster, Ryze is an elder (I’m using that respectfully) among social network sites, helping members to organize themselves by location, employment history, and interests.

The site looks simplistic, but is home to many big thinkers in the tech and business worlds, as you’ll see from the testimonials on its home page. The network offers free and gold member (only $9.99/month) options.

Socialcast: enterprise network software aimed to streamline intra-business communication and workflow; it also facilitates an intra-business social network.

Spoke: a business content curation site that connects people through information exchange and facilitates your growth as an authority in your industry.

StartupNation: as the name implies, the network site fosters brand new ‘treps to establish their startups with loads of resources, and of course offers the chance to network with other ‘treps.

TalkBizNow: an online business network that’s determined to help professionals glean information and form a community for free, even including its own internal contact and chat system in additional to all of its other business resources.

Upspring: this site is less a business network site and more a social media marketing and all-around promotional booster for your business.

Xing: though a European business network, it has global accessibility and offers not only networking, but includes job search, events, groups, and, like LinkedIn, industry news.

Yammer: helps companies form internal social networks and communicate/collaborate remotely as well across the web.

Young Entrepreneur: YE is part of Entrepreneur’s media network and has become one of the most venerable online communities for young ‘treps, startup CEOs, mentors and investors.

Ziggs: an online network that offers all the trappings of a business network, but specializes in helping you manage your company’s personal brand; and now offers a jobs board.

What Do You Do With All of This?

That list may seem exhaustive, but here’s how you can keep it simple: find three sites in the list that suit your needs and research them, narrowing down to one choice to add to your “big three” accounts that you feel will augment your business network or experience.

For More Information

I extracted this list from these informative sites:

About.com’s Web Trends article

SitePoint

Wikipedia’s list of networking sites

InsideCRM

Like this article? Share it across your networks and get the word out.

_{Free Digital Photo by Renjith Krishnan.}

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Central Florida Business Leaders Honored at 6th Annual Osceola Stars Awards

Published

4 hours ago

September 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Osceola Star Newspaper recognize entrepreneurs, business leaders and community champions at annual awards luncheon

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Central Florida business and community leaders were recognized Thursday at the sixth annual Osceola Stars Awards, celebrating entrepreneurship, leadership and service across Osceola County and the region.

The Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando hosted the Sept. 3 awards luncheon in partnership with the Osceola Star Newspaper at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Conference Center.

About 200 guests attended the event, which honored individuals and organizations in four categories: Rising Star, Business Star, Community Star and All Star.

Four Osceola Stars Awards Presented

Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington, Property Appraiser Katrina Scarborough, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Kelvin Soto and Sheriff Christopher Blackmon presented the awards.

Susana’s Café received the Rising Star Award, recognizing its continued business growth and community involvement.

AcuMed Group Wellness & Healing Skin Medical Aesthetics received the Business Star Award for its growth and commitment to community development.

Martin Levert, executive director of Northbridge University, received the Community Star Award for his leadership and community service, particularly during times of need.

Ana Karina Alejo, creative services director at Telemundo 31, received the All Star Award for her public service and work highlighting the contributions of Central Florida’s Hispanic community.

Ana Karina Alejo: Media Can Give Communities a Voice

Alejo said the recognition represented more than an individual achievement.

“Receiving the All Star Award is a deeply meaningful honor because it represents more than a personal achievement, it reflects the relationships, stories and communities that have shaped my career,” Alejo said in a statement.

She said she believes in using media to give a voice to people and organizations making a difference and expressed pride in highlighting Osceola County’s Hispanic community.

“This recognition inspires me to continue building bridges, championing Hispanic voices and using my platform to celebrate the people who make our community stronger,” Alejo said.

Brandon Arrington Highlights Role of Local Businesses

Arrington emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs and locally owned businesses to Osceola County’s economy and communities.

“Businesses and entrepreneurs are the fabric of Osceola County,” Arrington said. “They are our neighbors, our employers, and the people who invest their time and energy in making our community a better place.”

Arrington highlighted Dr. Cecilia Rusnak of AcuMed Group Wellness Center & Healing Skin Medical Aesthetics, saying recognition of Hispanic-owned businesses celebrates entrepreneurship and the role those businesses play in Osceola County’s continued growth.

Central Florida Business and Community Leaders Attend

The luncheon brought together business executives, elected officials and community leaders from throughout Central Florida.

Participants included Pedro Turushina, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando; Arnaldo Oliveras, chair of the chamber’s executive board; and Yanin Hansen, president and CEO of the Osceola Star Newspaper.

Premier sponsor AdventHealth was represented by Dr. Omayra Mansfield, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Celebration. Gold sponsor Orlando Health participated with a special video presentation.

Other sponsors and supporters included Northbridge University, Experience Kissimmee, IKEA and Orlando Venues. Media partners included Norsan Media, Univision Orlando, the Osceola Star Newspaper and WAPA Orlando 26.

Culture and Community Take Center Stage

Puerto Rican journalist and communications professional Neisha Molina, a digital content producer for Entravision US Media at WAPA Orlando 26, served as master of ceremonies.

The program opened with the presentation of colors by a U.S. Army color guard, followed by the national anthem performed by School of Talent LLC.

Guests also watched a performance by Mexico Danza Orlando, adding a cultural component to the business and community celebration.

The event concluded with a concert-ticket raffle.

Celebrating Central Florida’s Growing Hispanic Business Community

The Osceola Stars Awards are designed to recognize more than business growth. This year’s honorees represent entrepreneurship, community service, media leadership and civic engagement — areas that organizers say contribute to Osceola County’s continued economic and community development.

The partnership between the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and Osceola Star Newspaper also places the awards within the broader growth and influence of Central Florida’s Hispanic business community.

Business

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Brings 47th Annual National Conference to Fort Worth Sept. 14-16

Published

1 month ago

August 7, 2026

FNN NEWS

FORT WORTH, Texas (FNN NEWS) — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will bring its 47th Annual National Conference to Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 14-16, 2026, convening Hispanic business leaders, corporate executives, policymakers and entrepreneurs from across the country.

The three-day conference will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center and is expected to serve as a major national platform for business development, networking, economic opportunity and deal-making.

Nearly five decades after its launch, the USHCC National Conference has grown into what the organization describes as the nation’s largest gathering of Hispanic business decision-makers.

The selection of Fort Worth highlights the North Texas city’s growing position as a center for business, entrepreneurship and culture while providing a national stage for Hispanic-owned businesses and their economic impact.

Fort Worth Selected to Host 2026 National Conference

USHCC announced Fort Worth as the 2026 host following its 46th Annual National Conference in Atlanta.

“We are thrilled to bring the USHCC National Conference to Fort Worth in 2026,” said Jackie Puente, vice president of external affairs at Comcast and chairwoman of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This city showcases the innovation, diversity, and economic impact of Hispanic-owned businesses nationwide. At Comcast, we are proud to support the USHCC’s mission of opening doors and creating opportunities for our community to thrive.”

Fort Worth business leaders also welcomed the opportunity to host the national gathering.

“Fort Worth is proud to host the USHCC National Conference in 2026,” said Ericka Garza, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This event highlights our city’s vibrant culture and the impact of Hispanic-owned businesses in driving economic growth.”

Connecting Hispanic Businesses With Opportunities

Connection building will be a major focus of the 2026 conference, with programming designed to bring business owners directly together with corporate executives, policymakers, industry leaders and potential partners.

Through curated networking opportunities and informal gatherings, participants will have opportunities to establish relationships that could lead to collaborations, contracts, partnerships and long-term business growth.

The conference also provides companies and organizations seeking to expand their engagement with Hispanic-owned businesses an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and business leaders from markets across the United States.

National Leaders Take the Main Stage

The conference’s main-stage sessions will feature influential leaders and nationally recognized voices discussing major issues affecting business, entrepreneurship and economic advancement.

Sessions are expected to provide perspectives on economic trends, public policy, market opportunities and emerging challenges facing businesses.

The discussions are designed to help entrepreneurs and executives better understand changing markets and position their organizations for future opportunities.

Breakout Sessions Focus on Business Growth

Attendees will also have access to industry-focused breakout sessions featuring subject-matter experts addressing specific business challenges and opportunities.

The interactive sessions are designed to provide participants with practical strategies, tools and information they can apply to their companies and organizations.

Topics and speakers for the 2026 conference are expected to be announced as the event approaches.

Hispanic Businesses Take Center Stage in Fort Worth

The conference comes as Hispanic-owned businesses continue to play an increasingly important role in entrepreneurship, job creation and economic development across the United States.

For Fort Worth, hosting the national conference provides an opportunity to showcase the city’s business community while connecting local entrepreneurs with corporate and government decision-makers from across the country.

47th Annual USHCC National Conference
Dates: Sept. 14-16, 2026
Location: Fort Worth Convention Center
City: Fort Worth, Texas

Business

Historic Casements to Debut Mateo Blanco’s ‘Rockefeller Flag’ During The American Legacy Exhibition

Published

1 month ago

July 30, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Casements, the historic Ormond Beach residence where industrialist John D. Rockefeller spent the final years of his life, will host “The American Legacy,” a new exhibition by American artist Mateo Blanco opening Saturday, Aug. 1.

The exhibition brings together painting and photography to explore themes of American history, material, memory, innovation and the ideas that continue to shape the nation’s identity during its Semiquincentennial.

Public Premiere of Rockefeller Flag

The centerpiece of the exhibition is the public debut of “Rockefeller Flag,” a new oil-on-canvas painting created exclusively for The Casements.

Rather than depicting Rockefeller himself, the work examines the relationship between industry, history and artistic tradition. Executed entirely in black oil paint on canvas, Rockefeller Flag draws its conceptual inspiration from petroleum—the natural resource that transformed American industry and helped redefine the modern world.

Blanco notes that petroleum also returns to its artistic origins through oil paint, the medium that has shaped Western painting for more than five centuries, creating an intersection between industrial innovation and artistic expression.

Installed inside Rockefeller’s historic residence, the painting encourages visitors to reflect not only on one of America’s most influential business leaders but also on the broader themes of vision, enterprise, stewardship and the legacy each generation leaves behind.

“For many people, The Casements represents the final chapter of John D. Rockefeller’s life,” Blanco said. “For me, it represents the beginning of another conversation—one about legacy. Every generation inherits ideas, opportunities and responsibilities created by those who came before. What ultimately defines us is what we choose to build with that inheritance.”

Museum Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition also features paintings previously exhibited at The Butler Institute of American Art alongside a curated selection of photographs celebrating the American landscape, its people and the cultural narratives that have shaped the nation across generations.

Together, the works represent one of Blanco’s most comprehensive museum presentations to date, combining painting and photography in a reflection on the American experience.

According to exhibition organizers, The American Legacy is intended as a cultural reflection rather than a political statement, highlighting creativity, craftsmanship, imagination, innovation and the enduring ability of individuals to transform ideas and materials into lasting contributions.

By returning petroleum to the language of oil painting, Blanco creates a dialogue between one of America’s defining industrial achievements and one of the oldest artistic traditions in history.

About Mateo Blanco

Mateo Blanco is an American multidisciplinary artist whose work explores material transformation, cultural memory and the evolving narrative of American identity. Working across painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media, Blanco examines how everyday materials become symbols of history, belonging and collective memory.

His work has been exhibited by museums and cultural institutions throughout the United States, including The Butler Institute of American Art, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Museum of Art – DeLand, the Armory Art Center, the Cornell Art Museum and the Brick Store Museum.

His artwork is included in the permanent collections of several American museums, reflecting continued institutional recognition of his contributions to contemporary American art.

Blanco is represented by Rosenbaum Contemporary, with gallery locations in Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Hollywood, Florida.