Networking events
Meet local business owners regularly, explain what you do clearly and make introductions that have a reason behind them.
See networking events →Maltby and Rotherham business community
Build your business with the support you've been missing.
The Trailblazer Connect brings South Yorkshire entrepreneurs into the same room to share practical ideas, trusted referrals and steady encouragement.
Come for a useful conversation. Leave with a next step.
groups
120+ local members
People who understand the work.
event
40+ events a year
Regular reasons to connect.
person_add120+local members
calendar_month40+yearly events
school15+workshop topics
Local roots. Practical support.
Trusted by local founders
Business networking in Maltby works best when people meet often and follow through.
Rotherham Chamber
Maltby Business Network
South Yorkshire Enterprise
Local Council Connections
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The most welcoming business group I've joined in South Yorkshire.
85% of members report gaining at least one new client referral within three months. Every stage and background has a place here.
Support that fits the work
Ways we help you grow
Choose the room, session or group that matches what you need this month.
Practical workshops
Work through marketing, finance and sales topics with experienced local founders. Bring a real problem.
Explore workshops →Accountability groups
Set a clear target, report back to peers and keep moving when the usual business noise gets in the way.
Meet peer groups →Startup support
Test an idea, prepare for launch and find the right advice through people who know the Rotherham business scene.
Start with support →A place for your kind of work
For every kind of founder
You don't need a polished pitch or a large team. You need a useful next conversation.
Solopreneurs and freelancers
Find people who understand irregular workloads, share sensible referrals and give you a reason to leave the desk.
Retail and hospitality owners
Meet local suppliers, venue partners and nearby businesses with customers who already value local service.
Tech and social enterprise founders
Talk through mentoring, funding connections and the practical steps between a strong idea and a working offer.
Women and underrepresented founders
Find supportive spaces where your experience is respected and the advice stays grounded in what you are building.
A useful first step
Find the right community path
Choose the support you need most. We'll point you towards a sensible place to begin.
Step 1 of 3
What would help your business most right now?
Progress you can point to
Real results from local members
Small changes become useful results when people keep showing up.
2x wholesale customers
A bakery found its next stockists
Introductions at local networking sessions helped the Maltby bakery speak with independent retailers and build a repeat wholesale route.
Read the bakery story →
12-week pipeline
A consultant made follow-up routine
Peer accountability turned a loose list of prospects into weekly actions, clearer offers and a full active pipeline.
Read the consultant story →
Pre-seed funding
A founder sharpened the pitch
Practice sessions helped a South Yorkshire founder explain the market, answer hard questions and prepare for funding conversations.
Read the founder story →Simple, steady, useful
How our community works
There is no complicated route in. Start with one event and decide what helps.
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Join in
Become a member or attend a first event.
forum
Choose your focus
Meet peers, learn or work on accountability.
share
Take part
Share resources and make practical introductions.
monitoring
Track progress
Return with evidence of what moved forward.
People behind the programme
Meet your local community builders
Our organisers bring lived business experience and a clear commitment to inclusive rooms.
Alio Callegari
Workshop organiser who helps early founders turn broad ideas into a first workable plan.
Nevada Caron
Networking host focused on useful introductions and a warm welcome for first-time visitors.
Sosi Oduye
Peer group organiser who keeps goals visible and conversations practical.
Words from the room
What members say
Different businesses. The same need for useful people around the table.
Why did we choose The Trailblazer Connect? Because each meeting ends with a clear action, a useful introduction or both.
Jayantha Duree, independent retailer, Maltby
I stopped second-guessing my offer after two workshop sessions. The questions were direct, kind and grounded in the South Yorkshire market.
Lexine Lakstīgala, brand consultant, Rotherham
The accountability group gave my week a shape. I now know which conversations matter and when to make them.
Tahseel Kuhwald, trades business owner, South Yorkshire
The Trailblazer Connect helped me find confidence before I needed it. I met people who listened properly and introduced me to the right next contact.
Vijetha Empson, social enterprise founder, Rotherham
Before you visit
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers make the first step easier.
Do I need to be running an established business to join?
No. We welcome people testing an idea, preparing to launch and growing an established business. Bring a clear question and an open mind.
How often are networking events held?
There are regular events across Maltby and Rotherham, alongside focused workshops and peer sessions. Check the event page for the current schedule.
Are workshops suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Sessions start with plain language and practical examples, then give you time to apply the topic to your own business.
What is the cost of membership?
Membership options depend on the level of access you need. Contact the team and we'll explain the current arrangements clearly.
Can I attend an event before joining?
Yes. Contact us about the next suitable session and we'll tell you what to expect before you book.
Do you support online participation?
Some sessions include online participation when the format suits the topic. Ask when you contact the team.
Keep building between meetings
Explore community resources
Good support stays useful after the event ends.
Business resource library
Use practical templates and guides for planning, marketing conversations and day-to-day decisions.
Browse resources →Upcoming event calendar
See the next networking evening, workshop and peer group session in the Maltby and Rotherham area.
View the calendar →Workshop recordings
Members can revisit selected sessions and keep the useful parts close while they put ideas into practice.
See workshop access →Your next useful conversation starts here
Ready to grow together?
Join a community that understands the ups and downs of building a business. The Trailblazer Connect is based on Redwood Drive, Maltby, Rotherham, S66 8DL.
Call +44 7700 195766 or contact the team to find the right first event.