One of the ways that Wolverhampton City Council supports businesses is through networking groups.

Metro Business Partnership (MBP)

The Metro Business Partnership was formed in 2003 as a self-help SME group. It presently has a board of 6 Directors who are all SMEs with businesses in and around the Wolverhampton area. The MBP has, over the last ten years, been successfully instrumental in delivering information and support to local businesses regarding new legislation and grants for businesses.

Wolverhampton City Council officers hold a surgery at each of the quarterly meetings for any businesses who require a face to face meeting with a council officer. Each quarterly meeting enables businesses to network and take part in discussions regarding business to business opportunities with those who attend.

Wolverhampton Black Business Network (WBBN)

The WBBN is a group of black business owners whose objective is to bring together black business owners within Wolverhampton.

WBBN is a forum representing a cross section of Wolverhampton business community, particularly SMEs. The Aim of the forum is to educate and inform.

Wolverhampton Women's Business Forum

The Wolverhampton Women's Business Forum held its first meeting in June 2013, the primary aim being supporting women to succeed. The group meet bi-monthly to give Wolverhampton business women an opportunity to voice their views .

Wolverhampton Business Forum (WBF)

Wolverhampton Business Forum (formerly known as Wolverhampton Asian Business Forum) aims to give local organisations a stronger voice and enable them to share information and forge better links with influential organisations across the city.

It helps 'map' Wolverhampton's business community and identify the city wide issues, problems and opportunities which major organisations including Wolverhampton City Council may be able to help address.

Social Enterprise Network

Early meetings took place during the Spring of 2013 to establish that there is a demand for a networking group for Social Enterprises and attendance has been encouraging. This group is still establishing its steering group and a programme of meetings.

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