Late last year, we asked what topics you wanted to see covered in 2025. If you are anything like readers Emilee M. and Jerry A., you’re looking to grow your business and collaborate with like-minded professionals in the new year.
After all, there’s no better time to perfect your pitch than ahead of International Networking Week, which begins Monday, Feb. 3.
For general networking
Nashville Entrepreneur Center | Meet local entrepreneurs in this organization that encourages locals to take their ideas to the next level. Become a member for access to networking events, drop-in coworking space, discounts, and other perks depending on membership level.
Launch Tennessee | The state organization not only provides funding and resources for entrepreneurs as they build their startups, but also supports collaboration via its annual 3686 conference and fellowship programs.
Nashville YP | For young entrepreneurs, check out this partnership between the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and young professional organizations.
Tennessee Women Connect | Founded in 2020, this group offers events for both members and nonmembers across the region, including happy hours, coffee meet-ups, and networking lunches.
Cable | Cable’s mission is to be “an established network of diverse professionals committed to connecting women to advancement opportunities.” Membership includes monthly networking events, a mentor program, and more.
Eventbrite | Find a group meeting in-person or virtually to start growing your circle with this list of Nashville networking events.
For the arts-focused leader
Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville | Members have access to educational seminars and workshops, which cover a broad range of arts-related topics.
The Porch | Whether you’re an author, songwriter, poet, or just love the written word, there’s a place for you to gather with writers and readers of all ages.
SOLID Nashville | SOLID was the brainchild of a small group of music industry professionals in 1996. Today, members work on their leadership skills through education and philanthropic endeavors, while also strengthening their relationships via community meetups.
For those in the hospitality industry
Greater Nashville Hospitality Association | Outside of its involvement with local and state legislation to keep members informed of policies related to the industry, GNHA members have the opportunity to educate upcoming leaders via partnerships with local schools + by collaborating with NCVC to host job fairs.
Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association | The Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association’s memberships are broken up by special interest areas, like lodging, restaurant, or tourism, so your benefits are catered to your line of work.
Music City Chart Climbers | The Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp closed applications for its very first cohort in November 2024. The eight-month-long accelerator program includes complimentary NCVC membership, education, and networking opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
For the business movers and shakers
EO Nashville | Nashville’s Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), the local chapter of the global business network, is the largest chapter in the US and the third largest internationally.
Connect Nashville Business Networking | The organization hosts weekly open networking meetings throughout the Nashville area. Pro tip: The meetings are free to attend, just come prepared with a 60-second pitch.
For those in healthcare
Nashville Integrative Health | Nashville Integrative Health prides itself on having the city’s “largest wellness network” of nearly 400 healthcare practitioners and wellness professionals. Free-to-attend meetings are held each month for practitioners and industry professionals.
Women in Healthcare Nashville | Join the Nashville chapter for access to its mentorship programs, resource library, round tables, and webinars, as well as discounts for a variety of events like the Female Leadership Summit.
For the communications professional
PRSA Nashville | The network made up of ~200 public relations professionals offers professional development, industry awards, and other opportunities.
AMA Nashville | Over 325 members across branding, digital, PR, and related interest areas joined the Nashville chapter for its downloadable tools and templates, discounts on workshops and conferences, and in-person events.
