We’ve previously covered some must-know resources in San Diego if you’re a small business. Today, we’re going to look at some groups you should join if you are an entrepreneur in San Diego. These groups will give you access to like-minded people who you can network with, resources you can use to grow your business and, potentially, capital you will need to get started. Growing your network of people should be a top priority of any entrepreneur.
If you live in San Diego and you are an entrepreneur, here are 15 groups you should consider joining:
1. San Diego Entrepreneur Meetup Group – Taking its inspiration from business guru Seth Godin, this group believes the business world will continue its march away from industrialism and toward a “connection economy” where real value is created through the human connections business people make.
2. San Diego Young Entrepreneur Network Meetup Group – Not just for networking, this group is also for young entrepreneurs to stay up-to-date on innovative technology. Each week, the group gives a guest speaker 15 – 20 minutes to talk about a technique that is currently working for them so others may learn from it.
3. San Diego Small Business Meetup Group – The San Diego Small Business Meetup Group holds semi-regular networking events, workshops, speaker events and personal development opportunities for entrepreneurs in San Diego.
4. San Diego Entrepreneur Center & Startup Society – This group wants San Diego to become a role model for other cities in the United States to follow in regards to entrepreneurship. It holds events and workshops throughout the year and even has shirts you can order to show your San Diego entrepreneurial spirit.
5. San Diego Entrepreneurs Exchange – A nonprofit organization, the Exchange is run by local entrepreneurs to encourage new entrepreneurs, and sponsor networking and educational services for people interested in Life Sciences, Biotech, Pharma, Medical Devices, Tech and Alternative Energy.
6. Entrepreneurs’ Organization San Diego – A global, peer-to-peer network, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization consists of influential business owners who belong to 157 chapters in 48 countries. It has been around since 1987.
7. San Diego Venture Group – Another non-profit business association, its mission is to support and promote the venture capital and startup eco-system in the San Diego region. The group includes venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, experienced executives, and professionals who support them.
8. Startup Grind San Diego – Another global group, Startup Grind is sponsored by Google for Entrepreneurs and has a presence in a multitude of cities around the world. It hosts events throughout the year.
Photo courtesy of visualpun.ch on Flickr
9. Youth Entrepreneurship Program San Diego – Featuring lessons, mentoring and counseling, this group focuses on young people who are interested in starting their own business. It even has a business plan competition for them to enter.
10. CoFoundersLab – A unique group, CoFoundersLab allows entrepreneurs to find people who may be interested in becoming a co-founder of their company or, on the other hand, it also allows people who want to invest in a new company to find a startup that they can invest in.
11. Connect – Connect gives entrepreneurs access to people, capital and technology that can help grow their startups. It holds events throughout the year.
12. The VineSD – The VineSD connects entrepreneurs and allows them to grow under one roof. The organization has partnerships with EvoNexus, ROC, Irvine Company and ReadyNow®.
13. San Diego SCORE – A volunteer-run non-profit organization with a mission to promote the success of small business in both San Diego and Imperial Counties, SCORE mentors provide free and confidential business assistance to entrepreneurs and existing small business owners.
14. Exceptional Entrepreneurs – Founded in 2008, Exceptional Entrepreneurs has four weekly networking events in San Diego. No membership is required, but there is a small cost.
15. TiE South Coast – Founded in 1992 by a group of successful entrepreneurs, TiE uses its five pillars of mentoring, networking, education, incubating and funding to help small businesses get started and grow.
Joining one or more of these groups could help put you on the fast track to success if you are a San Diego entrepreneur.
[Photo courtesy of Steven Depolo on Flickr]
