Contribution by Alex Shukri.

Before finding these communities, I was genuinely struggling to make connections in my field. But after joining a few of these platforms myself, and hearing from others about their success stories, I knew which networking platforms actually practice what they preach. These all focus on collaboration over competition, and have so much to offer with each membership, so you can only go up from here.

If you’re an entrepreneur, here are the best ones for you:

Found & Flourish- available in the UK

Who are they?

Found and Flourish is a network, media, and events platform for entrepreneurial women. They focus on improving accessibility, connections, profits, and sustainability for women starting their own businesses. They focus on the power of community and empowerment,which actually works. It’s a support system, focusing on positive impact, profit, and joy. A good combination for any businesswoman, regardless of where you are in the industry.

How does it work? 

Membership costs £30 a month (or £300 a year), and you get access to new events monthly like workshops, interviews with the founders, and more! You get a community: a buddy system, monthly meet-ups, and coffee roulette, which means there are plenty of ways to collaborate, connect, and chat. There’s the academy: a library full of workshop replays, resources, and master classes so you can level up on your own schedule. There’s a directory that every member from sectors ranging from tech to marketing to social media and more get placed into an easy-to-use directory, ready for connecting! And finally, various perks and helpful newsletters right in your inbox.

Babes on Waves (best available to those in the UK, US, Indonesia, and Singapore)

Who are they?

Babes on Waves is an online business club — a space for gen-z and millennial women and non-binary people in business, regardless if they’re a founder, entrepreneur, or freelancer. It’s a place where like-minded entrepreneurs can be free to discuss ideas, collaboration, and anything that comes to mind. They prioritise women and non-binary people of colour and other underrepresented groups to ensure an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming space. The majority of the founders are Black women and women of colour, so you know it’s not just checking a diversity box on a form. 

How does it work?

There is a waitlist for memberships, but a monthly membership starts at £25 a month. And while they have a maximum capacity of membership, non-members can book into Babes on Waves’ workshops for free and get access to their newsletter. As a member, you get access to monthly workshops (which are voted on by community members monthly), online Q&As, discounts, promotions through Babes on Waves social media, meet-ups, and a Slack community. You also get an accountability partner, which is a unique aspect of Babes on Waves. This accountability partner keeps you motivated and accountable so you can stay in check with your goals. 

If you’re in the creative industries, here are the best ones for you. 

I Like Networking (available international, but best for UK/US/Western Europe)

Who are they?

I Like Networking is a networking community and platform created for and by women and non-binary people in the creative industries. It doesn’t matter what level of the industry you’re in, you’re welcome here. The networking events are fun, personalised, and don’t feel awkward. Everyone works together to help each other achieve their goals and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace and workforce. 

How does it work?

There are different levels of membership, billed monthly or annually. Monthly prices go from £8.50 a month, which gives you access to a supportive community on Slack, access to all ILN hosted online events and a members-only resource hub filled with collaborators, resources, partner discounts, and job offers. Every 5 memberships allow for a free membership for those who can’t afford to pay (so you’re helping others and yourself: a win-win!)  You have plenty of events to upskill, learn how to tackle career hurdles and network with peers and experts in your chosen field and find a supportive community.

Pocc– best for the UK, North America, and The Netherlands 

Who are they?

Pocc is a collective for ethnically and culturally diverse creatives with no membership costs. Founded by two Black creatives, Pocc focuses on creating real change in the creative industry and business where ethnically diverse communities can thrive together. It’s a global creative network, and whenever you need some help, the Pocc members are there.

How does it work? 

They have WhatsApp group chats as the main mode of communication between members where job listings and opportunities for all levels of expertise are advertised, as well as a safe space for advice and communication. Pocc focuses on making a change for ethnically diverse people on a global scale. They have member events throughout the year, an email newsletter, registration to the Pocc talent base, discounts to film screenings, access to sister groups (for filmmakers, Women and non-binary people, LGBTQ+, fashion, etc) and if you’re a small business owner, you get a 40% discount on the Pocc job board to reach over 6000 creative professionals. There are quarterly inductions, and the next one’s coming up in July! 

Restless Network- if you’re looking for a safe space and a collaborative network all in one (is also an app on Android and Apple)

Who are they?

Restless Network is a social networking platform and a digital resource that empowers women through connection and information, as these all do. This platform is also free, but donations are always welcome to keep up the support. What makes Restless Network unique is that it’s focused on a safe space and a place for women to share their stories. 

How does it work?

Restless Network also advertises some job opportunities, a weekly newsletter with exclusive content, and free resources for #MeToo survivors. It serves as a friendly reminder that you are not alone, regardless of where you are in the world. 

Check out the GUAP Arts & Culture section, to discover new art, film, and creative individuals.