For Tampa Bay business owners
Networking groups in Tampa, and the room worth the drive.
Southwest Florida is two hours down I-75 and growing fast. The 239 Collective hosts curated networking events where Tampa Bay founders, executives and business owners meet the people building Fort Myers, Naples and Estero.
2026 guide
Networking groups in Tampa.
Looking for networking groups in Tampa? Here are the main places Tampa business owners and professionals connect, plus a different kind of room a short drive away.
- 01Chambers of commerce
The Tampa Bay Chamber and neighborhood and city chambers across Hillsborough and Pinellas host regular mixers, ribbon cuttings and member events.
- 02Young professionals groups
Chamber-affiliated and independent young professionals groups in Tampa Bay run socials, leadership programs and volunteer events for professionals under 40.
- 03Referral groups
BNI and similar weekly breakfast groups meet across Tampa Bay, with one seat per industry and a focus on passing referrals.
- 04Rotary and civic clubs
Rotary, Kiwanis and other service clubs meet weekly across the region and mix networking with community service.
- 05Industry associations and Meetup groups
Real estate, construction, tech, marketing and finance associations, plus free Meetup groups, host events for specific fields.
The 239 Collective. A curated, social-first networking community in Southwest Florida. Tampa business owners join us for events in Fort Myers, Naples and Estero to meet the founders, operators and investors building one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions. No referral quotas, no pitching. See upcoming events.
Event alerts
Join the list.
New events and networking picks across Florida, sent first to the list. A few emails a month, never on blast.
The drive
Tampa to the 239.
Why make the trip
Worth the drive.
- 01Tampa Bay companies are expanding south along the I-75 corridor into Lee and Collier counties. Our events put you in a room with the local operators, developers, brokers and owners you will want to know before you get there.
- 02Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero and Naples are some of the fastest-growing places in Florida, with real estate, construction, healthcare, hospitality and professional services all expanding.
- 03Our rooms are curated and balanced across industries, so one evening can replace a dozen cold introductions.
- 04Make a night of it: our events are close to Bell Tower Shops, Coconut Point and Downtown Fort Myers, with plenty of hotels nearby.
Calendar
Upcoming events in Southwest Florida.
Next date announcing soon.
Questions
What are the best networking groups in Tampa?
Popular options include the Tampa Bay Chamber and local chambers across Hillsborough and Pinellas, young professionals groups, BNI referral chapters, Rotary clubs, industry associations and free Meetup groups. For a curated, social-first room in Southwest Florida, Tampa business owners also make the two-hour drive to The 239 Collective’s events.
Are there networking events in Southwest Florida for Tampa business owners?
Yes. The 239 Collective hosts curated networking and social events in Fort Myers, Naples, Estero and across Southwest Florida, about two hours south of Tampa on I-75. Business owners from Tampa Bay are welcome to request an invitation.
How far is Fort Myers from Tampa?
Fort Myers is roughly 140 miles from Tampa, about two hours by car on I-75 depending on traffic. Naples is about another 45 minutes south.
Can people from outside Southwest Florida join The 239 Collective?
Yes. Approved guests from anywhere in Florida can buy tickets to our events. Request an invitation, tell us where you are based, and we will let you know about upcoming dates.
Explore Fort Myers, Naples and Estero, or read our Southwest Florida business networking guide.