Online networking for small business owners
Relaxed conversations.
Build useful connections.
Connect & Grow is a relaxed online networking session where small-business owners can meet other people, share ideas, talk about what they’re working on and build genuine business relationships.
Register for the next Connect & Grow →Networking without the awkward bits
What Connect & Grow is
Networking that feels useful, natural and genuinely welcoming.
Running a small business can sometimes feel isolating. Connect & Grow gives you a regular opportunity to step away from the day-to-day work, meet other business owners and have conversations that could lead to new ideas, useful introductions, collaboration or simply a fresh perspective.
Meet other business owners
Get to know people from different industries, backgrounds and stages of business.
Share ideas and experiences
Talk about what you’re working on, exchange useful knowledge and learn from other people’s experiences.
Build genuine relationships
Return every other week, continue conversations and allow useful business relationships to develop naturally.
What to expect
What happens during a session?
Each session is friendly, lightly structured and designed to make joining the conversation easy. Come as you are, bring a drink and be ready for a good conversation.
A friendly welcome
Settle in, meet Paul and find out how the session will work.
Simple introductions
Share who you are and what you’re working on—without needing a polished pitch.
Smaller conversations
Meet other attendees, exchange ideas and talk through current projects or challenges.
Stay connected
Finish with useful connections you can continue beyond the session.
Who it’s for
Built for people growing something of their own.
Connect & Grow is for small-business owners, freelancers, sole traders, start-ups, side hustlers and anyone building something of their own.
You don’t need to be an experienced networker. You don’t need a polished elevator pitch. If you value meeting friendly people, exchanging ideas and growing your network in a relaxed environment, you’ll be very welcome.
Why it’s different
Friendly networking.
No hard sell.
This is a useful, welcoming space—not a room full of forced pitches. It is structured enough to make joining in easy, but relaxed enough for genuine conversations to happen.
- No forced sales pitches
- No pressure to perform
- No complicated preparation
- No expectation that you already know anyone
- Just useful conversations with other business owners
Meet your host
Hi, I’m Paul. I’ll make you feel welcome.
Connect & Grow is hosted by Paul Gadd, founder of Digital Growth 101. Paul has spent more than 25 years helping small-business owners use technology, marketing and practical business support to move forward.
His aim is to create a friendly space where people can meet, learn from one another and form relationships that continue beyond a single networking session.
Business and digital experience4,000+
Business owners supported
Frequently asked questions
A few things you may want to know.
Is Connect & Grow free?
Yes. Connect & Grow is free to attend. You simply need to reserve a place for the session you would like to join.
Where does it take place?
Sessions take place online. Your joining details will be included with your Eventbrite registration.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No formal preparation is needed. It can help to think about what you are working on and what kinds of people or ideas you would like to connect with.
Will I have to give a sales pitch?
No. You will have an opportunity to introduce yourself, but there are no forced pitches and no pressure to sell.
Can I attend more than once?
Absolutely. The sessions run every other week, and returning regularly is one of the best ways to build stronger relationships.
What happens after I register?
You will receive confirmation and the online joining information from Eventbrite. Keep that email somewhere handy for the day of the event.
Choose your next session
Come along and make your next useful connection.
Choose the date that works best for you and reserve your free place. Connect & Grow runs online every other week.
Wednesday 7 October · Free · Online · Booking through Eventbrite
Wednesday 21 October · Free · Online · Booking through Eventbrite