The Power of Networking for Women + Queer Entrepreneurs: Building Connections in a Male/Cis-Dominated Space
- RBF Admin
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Networking is a survival strategy for women and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs navigating industries that weren’t built with them in mind. While the business world is slowly becoming more inclusive, women and queer founders still face unique barriers when trying to build meaningful professional connections. But here's the shift: we’re not waiting to be included. We're building our own powerful networks - spaces of validation, opportunity, and collaboration.
In an era where who you know can often matter as much as what you know, networking becomes a catalyst for access to capital, mentorship, visibility, and community.
Why Networking Matters. Especially for Marginalized Entrepreneurs.
Networking isn’t just about growing your contact list. It’s about building relationships that lead to opportunity, guidance, and resilience. According to the 2023 McKinsey & Company Women in the Workplace Report, women are more likely to use networking for mentorship and career development than men (McKinsey). That same report found that women with strong peer and leadership networks were more likely to advance in their careers and report higher satisfaction.
Similarly, a StartOut study on LGBTQ+ founders revealed that access to supportive networks significantly increased both funding and business longevity among queer entrepreneurs (StartOut).
“I didn’t get funding through a cold pitch deck. I got it through someone in my queer tech group introducing me to an investor who believed in people like me,” shared an LGBTQ+ founder in a Lesbians Who Tech summit panel.
Unique Barriers in Networking Spaces
Despite its power, traditional networking spaces often reflect broader inequities:
👨💼 Gender and Identity Bias
Women and LGBTQ+ individuals often report being underestimated or tokenized in professional spaces. A Forbes article noted that men are 60% more likely to be approached by other professionals for mentorship or partnership opportunities.
💬 Impostor Syndrome and Confidence Gap
Many women and queer professionals experience the internalized fear of not belonging, which can make initiating professional conversations feel intimidating or performative.
Unequal Access to Resources
Without networks that can introduce you to investors, mentors, or opportunities, it’s harder to scale. This is especially true for those outside traditional, white-cis-hetero-male-dominated circles.
Thought Question: In your current business community, do you feel seen, and more importantly, supported? If not, where might you go to find that space?
How to Build an Intentional, Inclusive Network
The future of networking is about purpose, reciprocity, and shared values, not elevator pitches. Here’s how to build a network that empowers you:
1. Join Women and LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurial Communities
These are not just feel-good groups. They’re funding pipelines, think tanks, and safe havens.
Rooted In Community Monthly Meetups – RBF's personal LGBTQ+ business owner meetups hosted monthly in West NC and East TN to collaborate, learn, and grow together.
Ellevate Network – A global community of professional women dedicated to equality.
StartOut – Resources and accelerator programs for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
Ladies Who Launch – Offers education, mentorship, and capital to women and non-binary entrepreneurs.
Lesbians Who Tech & Allies – Hosts events and job boards for queer women and nonbinary people in tech and entrepreneurship.
Action Step: Choose one organization to join this month and attend a virtual or in-person event.
2. Be a Resource, Not Just a Receiver
Offer your expertise, make warm introductions, share tips. When you contribute to your network, you strengthen it and establish yourself as a trusted peer.
Start by reaching out to one fellow entrepreneur this week just to offer support or ask how you can help.
Create or join a group chat or Slack channel for peer mentoring.
Action Step: Identify 3 skills or experiences you could offer to others. Post them on your LinkedIn or share in a community forum.
3. Find Aligned Mentors and Sponsors
A mentor gives advice. A sponsor advocates for you when you're not in the room.
Seek mentors who reflect your values, not just your industry.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone you admire to meet for a 15-minute virtual coffee.
Platforms to try:
Chief – For executive women.
Out in Tech – Offers a mentor program for LGBTQ+ tech professionals.
Women Who Startup – A diverse, mission-driven platform for women entrepreneurs.
Action Step: Write a 3-line message to someone you’d like to connect with. Keep it specific, respectful, and curious.
4. Leverage LinkedIn and Other Social Tools Intentionally
Build a digital presence that reflects your purpose. Engage meaningfully, not just to promote - but to connect.
Share your story, insights, or behind-the-scenes business wins.
Comment on posts from organizations or leaders you admire.
Thought Question: How does your online presence reflect your mission and does it invite others into your network?
Final Takeaway: Community Is Currency
Success is rarely a solo journey. Whether you're pitching investors, developing products, or just trying to stay motivated who you know (and trust) matters deeply. For women and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, networking can be a radical act: of visibility, of solidarity, of power. So don’t just network. Build community.
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