Building a professional support network: an essential strategy for small business growth

Who do you share your small business wins with? Who is that trusted person you can call on for support when needed? Running a small business is all-encompassing. Working every day of the week and making high-stakes decisions alone leaves little time and energy for seeing friends and family. Social engagements often take a back seat to pressing business issues. 

You’re not alone. New research has found that nearly half (44%) of smaller business owners in the UK have felt lonely or isolated while running their business.

The good news is that, according to the research, loneliness and feelings of isolation tend to get better with time and experience. Instead of just waiting for things to improve, here are four steps you can take to create a support network that will boost your mental health and potentially improve your business’s bottom line:

1. Start by moving your desk to a coworking space to build everyday connections

2. When you’re ready for the next step, join a business group for more structured support

3. Turbocharge your business by attending networking events to help your business grow

4. Use LinkedIn to build a professional network and find leads

Find out why you should make mental health a priority for your business this year.

1. Coworking spaces 

If the only person you’ve spoken to today is the postman, it might be time to consider moving your desk to a shared workspace. Being around other people is a logical step if you’re feeling lonely, but it’s not enough on its own. A coworking space that focuses heavily on community rather than just a shared office may help combat feelings of isolation.

There are plenty of options all around the UK. Coworking has proved so popular, they’re now popping up in smaller towns. Spaces like WeWork often include gym facilities, social spaces and professional events along with the price of a desk. 

Being around other professionals is not just good for your mental health, it could be good for business, too:

• Friendships built over your morning coffee can lead to opportunities.

• Seeing others experiencing the same issues as you, such as cash flow, hiring and marketing, will make you feel less alone, building business resilience.

• You can pool ideas and resources to solve common problems.

When the macroeconomic situation is challenging, you’ll have people who get it; when the business outlook is positive, you’ll all be celebrating together.   

With short-term memberships usually available, coworking is a low pressure, low commitment option. It’s less formal than attending a business group, and less intimidating than traditional networking events. Plus, if used purely for business purposes, coworking spaces are usually  tax deductible – saving your business money.

2. Business groups

Membership to a professional organisation, such as Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors or British Chambers of Commerce, can be invaluable for many small business owners. They can provide structured support, industry insights, expert advice, local networking opportunities and relevant discounts.  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the current economic uncertainty, global trade tensions, or tax and regulatory changes (See our blog on the Employment Law changes coming in April 2026), being a member will help you feel less alone. As part of ‘something bigger’, you will be able to interact with others in the same situation, and call upon experts for advice – something that is useful to many small business owners attempting to wear all hats. 

As with coworking, membership is classed as a business expense, which means it’s tax deductible. 

3. Networking events 

Seeking out opportunities to network with your local business community or wider industry could help your business grow. A regular in-person meet up helps promote your business and build meaningful, long-term relationships with peers or potential new customers. 

Networking is all about building trust and connections, although they usually work on a strong referral ecosystem. You’ll often be required to repeatedly pitch your business, which will help you hone your pitch and build your confidence as an expert in your field. Additionally, receiving feedback about your business could give you clarity over your proposition and how it’s landing.

4. LinkedIn connections

If you don’t feel like your business is at the stage to justify investment in building an in-person support network, LinkedIn is a great starting point. 

Spend some time working on your own LinkedIn profile to include:

• Writing a professional and engaging personal profile – explain your experience, what your business does, and why people should connect with you.

• Identifying who you want to connect with – existing clients, potential new customers, industry thought leaders and your peers.

• Posting your own experience in business, things your business is doing well (and what you’re finding challenging) and your unique perspective on relevant industry news.

• Engaging with like-minded people and adding thoughtful comments on their posts to spark conversation and connection. 

Building a strong, supportive network on LinkedIn can pay dividends to help you stay up-to-date with trends, share information, find recommendations and get new leads.  

Support as a business strategy – not a luxury

With benefits for both your mental health and business growth, building a professional support network is not a luxury. It should be an essential part of your business strategy. 

In response to the need for mental health support for small business owners, we’ve partnered with Thrive Mental Wellbeing, an innovative, full-service mental health provider trusted by the NHS.

Existing Funding Circle borrowers can get 12 months of Thrive access for you and your team – for free. Your unique access code will have been emailed to you – if you need us to re-send it, please get in touch.

If you’re not a borrower, fill in a few details to get an exclusive discount code here.

02/03/26: While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, Funding Circle does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained here. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.