Business Networks in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

However, it is important for you to source the best type of networks for your purposes - and this may be a combination of online networks, professional/industry/sector association networks, government networks (generally well funded in Australia) and your own social networks.  You may like to try an internet search using some key words along with 'Sydney' or 'New South Wales.'

It may also be necessary to source networks that are close to where you are living, in Sydney, New South Wales or overseas.

When you do find a network, do some background research to find out how long it has been operating, what they offer, how much of a commitment they would like from you and so on.

Networks are of most value if you make a regular contribution to them - so once you have made a selection of your top three business networks, then make an effort to remain involved in these networks on a regular basis.  You can do this by becoming a member, going to events, volunteering with decision making teams, providing material for publication, offering mentoring assistance - whatever suits your personality and style.

This section of our website provides you with a range of information and links to other websites.

 

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We would also encourage you to visit our Shop as we have produced a more comprehensive Moving to Sydney location guide that provides more settlement information. 

Websites you can visit 

Australian Institute of Management New South Wales (various networking events, briefings, special interest groups)
http://www.aimnsw.com.au

Whats On In Town (subscribe to receive a reminder email so you can check the business networking events listed)
http://www.whats-on-in-town.com

City of Sydney (local government listing of Business Chambers and Associations)

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Business/ChambersCommerce.asp

New South Wales Department of Local Government (find your local government council website here and see what is on near home, particularly if you are in a small business, ask them for a 'new business information pack')
http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au

 

Junior Chamber International Sydney (organisation for young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-40.  It meets on a monthly basis to discuss various aspects of running a business)

http://www.jcisydney.org

 

New South Wales Business Chamber of Commerce (champions the growth and cause of business by offering its members products and services that helps them to build, sustain and grow their business. Also acts as the 'voice of industry' representing business concerns to all levels of government)

 

Department of State and Regional Development (New South Wales State Government's business development agency - lots of information, links and resources for people in business in New South Wales)

http://www.business.nsw.gov.au

 

Investing in New South Wales (lots of details if you are contemplating investment in New South Wales)

http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/investment/

New South Wales Small Business (New South Wales State Government information website for people starting and managing a small business - has a comprehensive links section broken down by category)
http://www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au

 

Business License Information Service (New South Wales Government Department to help you find information about licences, permits and other regulations that you might need in order to run a business in NSW)

http://blis.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au  

Rural Women's Network New South Wales (good links to regional resources)

http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/rwn/

Networking to win (lists a range of other networks in their links section)
http://www.networkingtowin.com.au

 

Networking World (free to register - links to a variety of networks, particularly for small business)
http://www.networkingworld.net.au

Invest Australia (information for people planning to start a business in Australia from overseas)
http://www.investaustralia.gov.au

 

Austrade (Australian Trade Commission helping Australian businesses become exporters - lots of resources)
http://www.austrade.gov.au

Finding other professional networks for your purposes

This section lists mostly Australia wide resources that you can use to find Sydney or New South Wales listings.  Try and find a mix of networks - some very specific to your profession and perhaps some others that are more general.  In Australia, we are very well serviced with low cost events that provide excellent training opportunities (particularly government funded initiatives).  Like many locations, the best networking is usually done face to face, but do not discount the importance of gathering knowledge of the key people and organisations in your field of interest.  These people can be approached to be part time mentors - it is always worth asking people if they are happy to provide this service.  If not, spending an hour over a cup of coffee can provide you with a basic background and a more detailed understanding of how things work in Sydney, New South Wales Australia.

Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI) (Department of Immigration and Citizenship resource that lists the relevant professional association for individual job classifications and links to the assessing body by state in Australia)
http://www.immi.gov.au/asri/

AusIndustry (Australian Government agency for delivering products, services and information  that support industry, research and innovation - provide access to good quality events and lots of other resources)
http://www.ausindustry.gov.au

Business Club Australia (free membership-based business matching program that can help you create international business opportunities against the backdrop of major sporting events and is an initiative of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade))
http://www.businessclubaustralia.com.au

Business Council of Australia (is an association of the CEOs of 100 of Australia’s leading corporations - provides policy advice, reports, publications, forums etc)
http://www.bca.com.au

Australian Institute of Company Directors (Australia's membership institute for directors. It is dedicated to making a positive impact on the economy and society by promoting professional directorship and good governance)
http://www.companydirectors.com.au

Other topics of interest

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4. Consider reading other sections that provide you with the skills and strategies for success.

Keywords for this page of the Newcomers Network website

Locations, Sydney New South Wales Australia, Business Networks in Sydney online networks professional industry association government social member volunteer events publication Australian Institute of Management Whats on in Town City of Sydney listing business chambers and associations New South Wales Department of Local Government New Business Information Pack Junior Chamber International Sydney young entrepreneurs meet monthly NSW Business Chamber of Commercice membership government Department of State and Regional Development Investing in NSW Business Licence Information Service Rural Womens Network Networking to Win Networking World Invest Australia Austrade Australian Skills Recognition Informatioon AusIndustry Business Council of Australia Australian Institute of Company Directors Australian Trade Commission

Author (Sue Ellson)

First Published (Saturday, 26 May 2007)