Where Entrepreneurs, Buyers, and Sellers Connect
Whether you’re preparing to buy a business, planning your exit strategy, or simply looking to grow your entrepreneurial network on Vancouver Island, strong connections are one of your greatest assets. At VI Business Brokers, we’ve seen time and time again how the right introductions can accelerate a sale, uncover off-market opportunities, and build lasting professional partnerships.
Vancouver Island has a thriving, collaborative business community—from Victoria all the way to Campbell River—and countless networking groups designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Below is your city-by-city guide to the Island’s most active networking communities, events, and professional associations.
Victoria: A Hub for Dynamic Entrepreneurs
As the Island’s capital and economic engine, Victoria offers some of the most diverse networking opportunities.
BNI Vancouver Island – World Class Chapter
A structured, referral-driven community of business professionals.
Website: https://bnibc.ca/bc-vancouver-island-bni-worldclass-chapter/en-CA/index
Location: 211-2840 Peatt Road, Victoria, BC
Victoria Business Networking (Meetup)
A casual, welcoming group hosting frequent social and professional events.
Events: https://www.meetup.com/victoria-business-networking/
Orbus Business Networks
A growing organization offering events, education, and referral opportunities.
Events: https://orbusnetworks.com/events
Women & Waves Co.
A women-led business community focused on collaboration, empowerment, and community events.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenandwavesco/
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
One of the region’s most established business organizations, known for high-quality mixers, luncheons, and special events.
Events: https://victoriachamber.ca/connect/events/
Victoria’s business scene is especially beneficial for professionals looking for mentorship, investment partners, and cross-industry relationships.
Duncan & Cowichan Valley: Strong Community Roots
The Cowichan Valley is home to a tight-knit and growing business community—ideal for entrepreneurs who value genuine relationships and community involvement.
BNI X-Factor Chapter
A powerful referral-focused group serving Cowichan business owners.
Website: https://bnibc.ca/bc-vancouver-island-bni-x-factor/en-CA/index
Address: 1681 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC
Eventbrite – Duncan Networking Listings
A variety of rotating professional events, workshops, and mixers.
Events: https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada–duncan/networking/
Meet Your Neighbours Duncan (Facebook Group)
A community-focused platform connecting business owners and residents.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeetYourNeighboursDuncan/
Cowichan Women’s Business Network (CWBN)
An empowering network dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs.
Website: https://www.cwbn.ca/
Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce
A trusted organization offering education, advocacy, and networking events.
Website: https://www.duncancc.bc.ca/
Address: 2896 Drinkwater Road, Duncan, BC
Business owners in the Cowichan Valley often describe the region as one where relationships run deep—making it an excellent area for collaboration and long-term partnerships.
Nanaimo: The Island’s Central Networking Powerhouse
Nanaimo has quickly become a major business hub, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from every industry.
BNI Business Networking Nanaimo
A results-driven referral network.
Website: https://bnibc.ca/bc-vancouver-island-bni-business-networking-nanaimo/en-CA/index
Address: 1724 Stewart Avenue, Nanaimo, BC
Nanaimo Business Networking
A welcoming community offering regular meetups and workshops.
Website: https://nanaimobusinessnetworking.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NanaimoBusinessNetworking/
Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce
A long-established organization known for high-quality luncheons, mixers, and educational events.
Website: https://nanaimochamber.bc.ca/
Address: 2133 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Young Professionals of Nanaimo (YPN)
A vibrant network for emerging leaders and early-stage entrepreneurs.
Website: https://www.ypnanaimo.com/
Nanaimo Women’s Business Network (NWBN)
A supportive community hosting monthly dinner meetings and events.
Website: https://www.nanaimowbn.com/
North End Alliance Networking (NEA)
A growing Nanaimo-area group ideal for local networking.
Website: https://www.neanetworking.com/
Nanaimo’s central location makes it a natural meeting point—and an excellent city for making connections that stretch across Vancouver Island.
Parksville & Qualicum Beach: Coastal Communities with Big Energy
Parksville and Qualicum offer a relaxed yet highly engaged business environment. Many entrepreneurs here are small-business owners, consultants, or remote professionals.
Meetup Networking Events (Parksville Area)
A rotating list of casual and business-focused events.
Events: https://www.meetup.com/find/ca–bc–parksville/networking/
Parksville Community Centre
A hub for local community programs and gatherings.
Website: https://www.parksvillecentre.ca/
Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce
A well-established chamber offering networking, advocacy, and business development resources.
Website: https://www.parksvillechamber.com/
These towns are especially appealing for entrepreneurs seeking lifestyle balance paired with a supportive local business community.
Port Alberni: Growing Opportunities for Small Business Owners
Port Alberni is experiencing a renaissance, with new investment, entrepreneurship, and community development initiatives reshaping the city.
Choose Port Alberni – Entrepreneurship Resources
A government-supported platform offering guidance and support for local entrepreneurs.
Website: https://chooseportalberni.ca/invest/entrepreneurship
Port Alberni Community Groups Listings
Community groups, associations, and networking resources.
Directories:
https://alberni.ca/community-groups
https://albernichamber.ca/directory-categories/associations-society
Meetup Networking Events (Port Alberni Area)
Events: https://www.meetup.com/find/ca–bc–port-alberni/networking/
Young Professionals of Alberni Valley
A group focused on connecting emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YPAlberniValley/
For business buyers and sellers, Port Alberni offers a market full of potential—paired with a community that’s eager to support growth.
Courtenay, Comox & Campbell River: Expanding Networks in the North Island Corridor
The Comox Valley and Campbell River are among the fastest-growing business regions on the Island, attracting professionals from technology, trades, tourism, and beyond.
Meetup Networking Events (Courtenay Area)
Events: https://www.meetup.com/find/ca–bc–courtenay/networking/
Comox Valley Multicultural & Business Network (CVMN)
A culturally diverse community supporting newcomers and established business owners.
Website: https://cvmn.ca/
Comox Valley Business Network (CVBN)
A structured group focused on referrals and business development.
Website: https://www.cvbn.ca/
Comox Valley Women’s Business Network (CVWBN)
A supportive organization offering workshops, mixers, and events.
Website: https://www.cvwbn.org/
Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
A central hub for business events and advocacy.
Website: https://comoxvalleychamber.com/
These communities are known for collaboration, innovation, and a welcoming atmosphere—making them ideal areas to connect with entrepreneurs across industries.
Why Networking Matters When Buying or Selling a Business
Whether you’re preparing to sell your company or looking for the right business to purchase, networking plays a powerful role:
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It helps business owners meet potential buyers or strategic partners.
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Entrepreneurial communities often share off-market opportunities.
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Industry connections can increase business value and marketability.
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Professional relationships provide support long after a deal closes.
At VI Business Brokers, we encourage entrepreneurs to build local connections—not only for business growth, but also to fully integrate into the vibrant communities that make Vancouver Island such a unique place to work and live.
