Local Spotlight: GROW Business Network

Meet GROW Business Network, a relationship-first networking group helping over 175 local entrepreneurs across Southwest Florida build deeper connections and grow through community. Discover how they’re changing the way local business is done.

Local Spotlight: GROW Business Network

At HeyNeighbor, we love highlighting the businesses that strengthen our communities. This month’s Local Spotlight features GROW Business Network, a relationship-driven networking organization creating real impact across Southwest Florida.


About the Business

Tell us about your business — what do you do and who do you serve?
I run GROW Business Network — a business networking organization in Southwest Florida comprising more than 175 local entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. We’ve grown to 11 teams from Naples to Punta Gorda, LaBelle, and Cape Coral. We serve leaders who believe in the power of relationships to drive real growth.

How did you get started, and what inspired you to launch your business?
I’ve built my career on trust, connection, and strong referrals in real estate and across business. What I saw was a gap between traditional networking and true community-building. That gap inspired me to take over GROW five years ago. At the time, it had just four teams and 38 members. The mission was simple: create a place where people don’t just show up — they show up for each other.

What’s your favorite part about running your business in this community?
Watching local businesses go from “trying to find leads” to building lifelong advocates for what they do. Southwest Florida is full of people who want to give — they need the right room to do it in.


The Local

What makes your business unique in your neighborhood?
We’re not transactional — we’re transformational. We don’t allow multiple reps per industry on a team; we focus on depth of relationships, not just attendance. We’re also building something bigger — not just a club, but a connected network across the entire region.

How do you stay connected with the local community?
Through every handshake, every coffee, and every one-on-one, our members do. We encourage our teams to actively give back and stay visible in the communities they serve. We also host a large monthly lunch where all the teams come together and build community.

What local partnerships or collaborations have been meaningful to you?
The partnerships within the teams themselves are where the magic happens. But we also work closely with local chambers like SWFL Inc., business groups, and nonprofits to amplify what’s happening in Southwest Florida.


Challenges & Wins

What has been one of your biggest challenges, and how did you overcome it?
Scaling while maintaining culture. Anyone can start a group — building one where people want to stay and invite others is the real game. We overcame it by clarifying our values and ensuring every leader we bring on board aligns with them.

What moment or milestone are you most proud of?
Seeing our membership grow from 38 to more than 175. But more than the numbers — it’s when I hear members say, “GROW changed my business.” That’s what matters.


Marketing & Growth

How have you used local advertising to grow your business?
Primarily through targeted Facebook ads and word-of-mouth from the members themselves. We also use strategic social media campaigns that contrast our network with traditional models (like BNI), positioning GROW as a stronger, relationship- and referral-first alternative.

What’s one marketing tip you’d give to another small business owner?
Stop trying to sell the features — sell the outcomes. People don’t care how often you meet — they care if it helps them grow.


Just for Fun

What’s your go-to lunch spot or coffee place?
Mission BBQ is always a good choice for lunch. Great atmosphere, and you’re bound to run into someone you know.

If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
“Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Because once momentum starts in a strong network, you can’t stop it.

Any funny or surprising stories from working with local customers?
We once had a visitor show up and, by the end of their first meeting, they had five referrals lined up — before even joining. We love those “you just had to be there” moments.


Looking Ahead

What’s next for your business — any exciting plans or projects coming up?
We’re looking to expand into new markets across Florida strategically — but carefully. We believe in depth before width. We’re also investing in leadership development so that our team leaders can drive higher performance across all groups.

How can people best support you right now?
If you know a business owner who values relationships over transactions, send them our way. And if you’re already in a GROW team, lean in. The more you give to your team, the more the team gives back.


Connect with GROW Business Network
Ready to grow your business through meaningful relationships? Visit growbusinessnetwork.com to learn more, find a local team, or get in touch about joining the network.