Portland’s Best Business Networking Groups

The single most effective element to successful career management can be summed up in one word: network!

This is particularly true in the business community, where personal relationships are the foundation for nearly every transaction.

Whether you are looking to find a new job, meet your peers, or generate sales leads, regular networking is vital to make lasting connections.

Here are some of the best opportunities for business networking in Portland:

1. Oregon Executives Association

Established in 1926, Oregon Executives Association is one of Portland’s oldest and most successful business networking and support groups. It holds a lively luncheon meeting every Wednesday, and members become part of a close-knit organization focused on increasing member business opportunities and connections throughout the community. OEA members are owners or decision-makers of companies with solid reputations for providing quality services and goods. Their business integrity is a credit to the Association and the community. OEA is a member of the International Executives Association, with more than 6,000 member firms in the United States and Canada.

2. City Club of Portland

City Club of Portland is a civic organization focused on community service, public affairs, and leadership development. Post-pandemic, City Club has explored a mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Upcoming events are announced by email and appear on the website calendar. Video recordings of past events can be accessed on the club’s YouTube channel. The organization’s membership represents a broad spectrum of leaders from business, government, academia, social services, and other professions.

3. Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s Corporate Exchange

The Corporate Exchange (previously the Corporate Volunteer Council)  is a coalition of businesses and business professionals committed to corporate volunteerism in local communities. The organization gathers professionals focused on corporate community engagement and provides a space for best practice sharing, professional development, and networking. If you are interested in learning more about Corporate Exchange, please email info@gosw.org.

4. iTake The Lead Meetup Group

This Portland-based Meetup group has more than 2,225 active members. Their goal is to help small business owners and sales professionals build referral-based businesses while creating a community of entrepreneurs. They offer a variety of training seminars and networking events, many of which are free to attend.

5. Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

OEN connects entrepreneurs to a large network of peers and mentors, funding opportunities, and trainings. They host more than 100 events each year, which are open to both members and non-members. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur launching your first startup, OEN provides the tools you need to grow your business.

6. Portland Metro Chamber

The Portland Metro Chamber is the area’s regional chamber of commerce, with a membership of more than 2,200 companies. PMC organizes regular networking and educational events, giving you an opportunity to connect with local business leaders.

7. BLocal PDX

B Local PDX is a group of B Corps from Oregon and Southwest Washington working to deepen connections among organizations in our region who share our purpose and passion for using business as a force for good. Events help socially responsible business people act on their purpose to achieve socio-economic and environmental impact through their operations.

8. Business for a Better Portland

Launched in 2016, Business for a Better Portland is a business organization whose members believe that the health and prosperity of businesses depend on the health and prosperity of the community at large. The organization organizes around Portland’s pressing issues, including: safe and efficient transportation, equity in entrepreneurship, access to capital, as well as housing and homelessness.

9. Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs

OAME is an all-inclusive organization, operating by the motto: “Everybody’s In, Nobody’s Out.” The 700-member association is a collection of entrepreneurs, public agencies, partner non-profits, and large businesses. The mission is directed toward eliminating discrimination and racism. OAME’s annual trade show is one of the biggest events of the year.