About Us
A Unique Business Networking Experience Agenda Based, No Pressures Network
About TBG
Our Values - Integrity, Respect, Equality, Trust, Safety, Community
Welcome to The Business Guild (TBG) — Melbourne’s fastest-growing network of 7,000+ passionate small business owners. Since 2016, we’ve been more than just a networking group. We’re a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals who believe that strong relationships are the key to long-term business success.
Every month, our members come together for 100 powerful minutes of face-to-face networking, learning, and collaboration. With over 120+ B2B events and expos hosted across Melbourne, we create the space for business owners to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and unlock growth opportunities that go far beyond business cards.
Our Values of Integrity, Trust, Equality, Respect, Safety and Community keeps us well grounded and helps us in attracting like minded business owners. Our members have a great sense of belonging due to these values we carry.
7,000 Biz
7000 Member Businesses Connected 24x7 in TBG-Lite Facebook and Whatsapp Groups
10 Years
Connecting Businesses since 2016.
More than 125 Events for small business community.
100 Mins
100 Minutes a Month
In-Person Networking
2nd Wednesdays 6PM
40 Mins
40 Minutes a Month Online Members Connect 4th Wednesdays 4PM
Upcoming Events
Join One of Melbourne’s Most Engaging Networking Experiences
Each TBG event is designed to deliver value in every minute. Hear from seasoned entrepreneurs, participate in focused group discussions, and enjoy structured networking that encourages real business exchanges—not just handshakes.
Events run monthly on Wednesday evenings, making them ideal for working professionals and small business owners.
How is TBG different from Other Networks?
TBG has been designed for business owners who want freedom and flexibility with a much lower time and financial commitment.
Our core model is just 100 Minutes (in-person) + 40 Minutes (online) a Month. There are no weekly meeting commitments, no category exclusivity and no pressure to achieve referral or visitor targets.
At TBG Annual Membership costs range from $155 – $295*, with no venue charges or hidden costs. *GST extra
TBG is : Flexible • Monthly • Connection & Collaboration Focused • Lower Commitment • Gives required Freedom to business owners
As a quick example, let’s compare TBG with another network like BNI!
Both TBG and BNI believe strongly in the power of relationships and business networking, but the models are quite different.
TBG and BNI are both business networking communities, but the formats and levels of commitment are quite different.
BNI operates a highly structured referral networking model with weekly 90-minute meetings, category exclusivity and an emphasis on referrals, requirement for one-to-one meetings, inviting visitors and regular member attendance.
Depending on the BNI region/chapter, first-year membership and onboarding can be around $2,700–$3,000, with additional chapter/venue costs potentially applying.
BNI is: Structured • Weekly • Referral Focused • Higher Commitment • Heavy focus on KPIs
Neither model needs to be considered better than the other – they serve different networking needs.
If you want an intensive, highly structured weekly referral system, BNI may suit you.
If you want to connect, collaborate and grow while retaining greater freedom over your resources time and networking, TBG may be the better fit.
Some business owners may even find value in participating in both or choose one more suitable to them.
Check a Quick Feature Comparison in Table Below.
TBG vs BNI – Compare More Than Just Membership Fees
Compare the cost of your time, flexibility and networking commitment.
| Comparison | The Business Guild (TBG) | BNI |
|---|---|---|
| Core Model | Flexible business networking | Structured referral networking |
| Frequency | Once a month | Weekly |
| Core Meeting Time | Approx. 2.5 hours/month | Approx. 6–7 hours/month |
| Potential Overall Time Commitment | Around 2–3 hours/month | Can be considerably higher; potentially 15+ hours/month depending on participation |
| Other Networking Commitments | Flexible | One-to-ones, training, referrals, visitors, presentations etc. |
| Annual Cost | Currently $155–$295 + GST* |
Approx. $2,695–$3,000 first year depending on region/chapter* Subsequently $1,800–$1,900 a year depending on chapter and year. |
| Venue / Event Costs | Included / No More to Pay* |
Chapter venue fees may apply additionally. $60–$70 each month ($720–$840 a year) |
| Category Exclusivity | No strict exclusivity; 10% category cap for a balanced network | One person per category |
| Attendance | Flexible | Weekly attendance is important and monitored. Tracked in member KPIs. |
| Referral Expectations | No referral targets. Referrals come organically. | Referral-focused model. Tracked in member KPIs. |
| Inviting Visitors | No pressure | Members are encouraged to invite visitors. Tracked in member KPIs. |
| One-to-One Meetings | Optional / organic | Integral part of BNI model. Tracked in member KPIs. |
| Presentations | Opportunity for businesses to showcase | Structured presentations |
| Philosophy | Connect, Collaborate & Grow | Givers Gain® / referral-driven |
| Best Suited To | Businesses wanting flexibility, broader connections and lower time commitment | Businesses wanting a highly structured, intensive referral system |
Upcoming Events & Community Highlights
Where Melbourne’s Business Community Comes Together
Our Culture
Creativity. Flexibility. Innovation
To be Melbourne’s most trusted business networking platform—where every member is supported, heard, and connected.
Our strength lies in our people. TBG is a diverse, inclusive, and highly engaged network built on trust and shared success.
As we grow, we welcome passionate community builders to join our leadership and event teams. Let’s grow together.
Our Principles
Every member brings value. We grow through giving, sharing, and supporting one another.
Business growth through collaboration. That’s our north star.
Fresh ideas fuel innovation. TBG encourages knowledge-sharing across all sectors and experience levels.
Frequently Ask Questions
TBG is open to all small business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals across any industry. Whether you're in finance, marketing, trades, health, or the creative sector, you'll find value in our networking community.
Currently, TBG events are held monthly in five Melbourne locations: Craigieburn, Docklands, Point Cook, Clayton, and Geelong. Members can attend events at the location that suits them best.
Unlike traditional networking, TBG focuses on building genuine, long-term relationships rather than surface-level interactions. With our structured, time-efficient events and a growing network of over 7,000 businesses, we prioritize quality connections that drive real growth.