A Guide to Starting and
Expanding Your Small Business
in Hants County

NETWORKING

Networking is an important activity for any entrepreneur. Often your personal contacts and professional business advisors are the beginning of your “network”. With your permission, friends, family, bankers, lawyers, accountants and business counselors/consultants can spread the word about your business. But networking is more than generating word-of-mouth publicity. Your network can give you names of other helpful professionals, potential suppliers, customers, mentors, and peers. This is an opportunity to interact with other entrepreneurs who are experiencing similar business challenges and to learn from those who may have already been there. It is a reciprocal process – you help others expand their networks and they will help you expand yours.

Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations

Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations are the most valuable business networking organizations. Hants County is home to a number of these groups, including:

• Hantsport and Area Business Association (HABA)

• East Hants Chamber of Commerce

• Business Breakfast Club: The Corridor

• West Hants Chamber of Commerce

• West Hants Women in Business Networking Group

• Windsor Business Enhancement Society

The most current contact information for these groups can be found under “Business Associations” in the business directory.

Many of these business associations plan regular networking events that are open to members and nonmembers. Membership in either of the chambers of commerce has benefits including discounts on group health benefits. HABA also offers various member discounts and promotions. >From time to time these groups offer guest speakers on topics of interest to their members. Many of these groups also sponsor and undertake projects that benefit the community. Volunteering on the board of a business association or local not-for-profit organization is a great way to network and give back to the community.