Network West Cork is a dynamic network for all entrepreneurs, owner/managers and business people of West Cork. Business networking is a vital marketing tool. Networking allows business people to build relationships and generate new business opportunities. It is an exceptionally cost-effective way of promoting your business, more powerful and sustaining than any advertising or public relations efforts. Networking has become an essential skill for growing a business. Since 2007, the West Cork Enterprise Board has been running a Small Business Network and a Women in Business Network. These Networks have been re-branded and re-launched as Network West Cork - Business to Business.

We will hold at least six Networking Events throughout the year, in addition to Women in Business Events. The events are free of charge and the only thing we ask of you, is to bring yourself and your business cards. The main objective at each meeting is NETWORKING. We facilitate you to network through organised promotional opportunities and activities. Come along to one of our up-coming events to see what you can gain for both you and your business by networking.

Schedule of events: suspended for 2011

Date: Wednesday 15th December 2010 Time: 6.30pm-8.00pm with registration from 6.00pm Venue The Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery Network type: All business owner/managers and key personnel of West Cork businesses including new start-up companies and entrepreneurs. Format: This networking event is 100% focused on networking for your business. It is a formally structured speed networking event for entrepreneurs, start-ups and established owner/managers as well as for key personnel of small to medium sized businesses. Our facilitator at this event, Fergal O'Connor, Synergy BDS will make sure that the speed networking runs in an effective organised manner. It is anticipated that this will be a LARGELY attended event so pre-registration is essential by  by booking your place on-line from our website. First 20 companies to pre-register on-line will have the opportunity for a 1 minute sales pitch at the start of the event (Available to West Cork clients only) We look forward to seeing you at this FREE business to business speed networking event. Don't forget to bring lots of business cards with you. This is your chance to meet new business people, generate new business leads and hopefully increase business revenue.  Pre-register today! Date: Thursday 17th June 2010 Time: 6.30pm-8.00pm Venue: Clonakilty Network type: All business owner/managers and key personnel of West Cork businesses Format: This networking event is a 100% networking opportunity for you and your business. It is a formally structued speed networking event for entrepreneurs, start-ups and established owner/managers as well as for key personnel of small to medium sized businesses. Our facilitator at this event, Fergal O'Connor, Synergy BDS will make sure that the networking runs in an effective organised manner. It is anticipated that this will be a LARGELY attended event so pre-registration is essential by emailing: enterprise@wceb.ie or by booking your place on-line: http://www.wceb.ie/training-&-online-booking/#network-west-cork-speed-networking-event-~-clonakilty-17-6-2010 We look forward to seeing you at this FREE business to business speed networking event. Don't forget to bring lots of business cards with you. This is your chance to meet new business people, generate new business leads and hopefully increase business revenue.  Date: Wednesday 21st April 2010  Time: 9.30am-11.30am  Venue: The Maritime Hotel, Bantry  Network type: All business owner/managers and key personnel of West Cork businesses  Format: At this breakfast networking event, Business Consultant and Accountant, Neil O'Brien of Quantum Business Solutions will be the keynote speaker. Neil will give a talk about "cost reduction techniques for your business". During these current economic challenging times, business owners will welcome the opportunity to cut costs. Presentation will include: Landline and mobile costs Accounting fees versus self assessment Brochures & other promotional spend Reduce your tax Track your costs Have a budget for every business cost Minimise drawings (know your own personal spend & budget accordingly) There will be plenty of networking opportunities also so bring your business cards! Don't miss out on this FREE business to business networking event. Pre-registration is recommended by emailing: enterprise@wceb.ie  Date:  Thursday 11th March 2010  Time:  6.30pm-8.00pm  Venue:  Inchydoney Lodge & Spa Hotel, Clonakilty Network type: Women only networking event  Format: Veronica Canning, the inspirational and motivational speaker to women in business will give us some useful practical business tips. This is our women-only glam networking event and all are welcome including: entrepreneurs, start-ups, existing and expanding businesses. Check out Veronica's website for further information: www.veronicacanning.com Also on the night, 10 West Cork women in business will display their businesses. This will give us an opportunity to see some established West Cork businesses run by women in business. Don't miss out on this fantastic FREE networking event. Pre-registration is advised by emailing: networks@wceb.ie  Date:  Thursday 4th February 2010   Time: 6.30pm-8.00pm  Venue: The Quality Hotel, Clonakilty Network type: All business owner/managers and key personnel of West Cork businesses  Format: Jerry Shanahan, who featured recently on the RTE 1 Programme "Would you believe" will speak as our guest speaker. Jerry has a strong global corporate financial background and is currently self-employed.  The transition from the corporate world of finance to owner manager has been a journey instigated by survival and necessity. His story is exceptional and Jerry will inspire action in all of us, as we go into 2010.  We will also have a local successful West Cork businesses share their business tips with us.

Other Networks operating in West Cork

• BNI West Cork Business Network
• Fastnet Business Network - West Cork

Other Irish related Networks

• NEW - Network of Enterprising Women, a network run and managed by both the South Cork and Cork City Enterprise Boards http://www.sceb.ie/
• MicroTrade is a programme that helps small businesses build contacts, markets and partnerships across the island of Ireland. The programme is an initiative of the County & City Enterprise Boards of the Republic of Ireland, Enterprise Northern Ireland and InterTradeIreland. They offer a range of supports including networking events, funding and training. For more information see their website: http://www.microtrade.org/
• Women In Business Network Forum  http://www.irishbusinesswomen.com/forum/
• IT in Cork  http://www.itcork.ie/