About us
See ALL the startup events in Orange County at https://OCStartupCouncil.org
Entrepreneurship is empowerment - and social capital is currency.
If you're working on business #1 ... or even business #100, this community is here to help make valuable connections with potential business partners or investors, as well as learn from experts regarding the skillsets and mindsets necessary to succeed in today's entrepreneurial environment.
Our members include but are not limited to: entrepreneurs, small business owners, corporate executives, company representatives, tech professionals, creative arts professionals, angel and accredited investors, startup experts, revolutionary startup entrepreneurs looking to change the world - or their local community (lean, bootstrap, crowdfunding, or venture capital focused), and people seeking to expand their professional development and/or network.
The Harvard Business Review has noted: "Face-to-face communication is the broadest bandwidth communication you can have in professional life", and we believe the current business environment will continue a transition towards what thought leader Seth Godin refers to as the "connection economy" - where value is increasingly created through the connections we make and less so through industrialism.
Therefore we endeavor to provide networking and educational events that will be uniquely effective in initiating professional connections, developing important relationships, and leveraging social capital to grow a business and increase personal influence.
It only takes one person to change our personal or professional lives. Undoubtedly, you will make new connections at our events likely to change yours... forever. Every event will have its own unique opportunities. Every. Single. One. It's "about time" to enhance your Networking ROI:
- Return on financial investment.
- Return on time investment.
- Return on emotional investment.
- Return on influence.
- Return on integrity.
- Return on ideas.
Thank you for your consideration in sharing this group with your network, and/or bringing a friend or business associate with you to our events. As author and thought leader Simon Sinek noted:
"We do not become great leaders, we do not fulfill our potential when we work to see ourselves grow or rise. It is when we devote ourselves to seeing those around us rise that we actually grow. And when the people we care about also work to see us grow, then they too will grow... The only true way for any of us to grow, to truly fulfill our full potential, is when we work to help others do the same."
Upcoming events
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Business Preparedness Series: Emergency Response & Fire Safety Workshop 7/16/26
Greater Irvine Chamber, 36 Executive Park, Ste. 100, Irvine, CA, USJoin the Greater Irvine Chamber for the first workshop in their three-part Emergency Preparedness Series for Businesses.
RSVP using the link - https://network.greaterirvinechamber.com/calendar/Details/cert-basics-for-businesses-workshop-1758275
This workshop is designed to equip businesses with the tools, strategies, and expert guidance needed to protect employees, minimize disruptions, and strengthen long-term resilience in the face of unexpected events.
Join them Thursday, July 16 from 8:30AM to 11:00AM at Greater Irvine Chamber, 36 Executive Park, Ste. 100, Irvine, CA 92614.
The City is widely recognized for its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, an eight-course, hands-on training series that builds readiness, safety, and community resilience skills for Irvine residents. Building on that proven model, the Office of Emergency Management and the Orange County Fire Authority have developed this CERT-inspired workshop tailored specifically for businesses.
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here: https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
5 attendees![Cross-Market Business Networking [ONLINE] | All Professionals Welcome](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/4/1/c/highres_525501532.jpeg)
Cross-Market Business Networking [ONLINE] | All Professionals Welcome
·OnlineOnlineWhy go it alone? Who might you meet today that could change your life personally or professionally? What connection could open a new door for you, your business, or someone you care about?
All professionals welcome. Especially valuable for small business owners, creatives, consultants, marketers, service providers, collaborators, and other growth-minded professionals seeking meaningful connections across multiple markets.
Exceptional Entrepreneurs ("EE") is one of the largest business networking organizations in the USA, bringing together professionals from many Meetup communities and metro areas. This event is designed for people who want more than the same local circle: potential clients, collaborators, strategic connections, fresh ideas, and new opportunities.
Meeting format:
- First 30 minutes: check-in, arrivals, and breakout rooms on relevant topics
- Remaining 60 minutes: structured agenda in the main room, including participant introductions and more
- After the formal close: breakout rooms reopen for those who want additional networking time
No membership required. No attendance requirement. Attend when it works for you, introduce yourself, and connect with professionals you may not otherwise meet.
Special Guest Edition: On select events, we feature a guest speaker who brings timely, practical value to a broad business audience and adds one more reason to attend live.
Info to join the EE virtual networking meeting:
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http://nroi.us/eeonline
(the shortlink above will remain updated with the current Zoom link)
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OCMBA: Summer Mixer 7/22/26
The Pub, The Elwood Club at Pendry Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr, Lobby Level, Newport Beach, CA, USOCMBA presents Summer Social at The Elwood Club
RSVP using the link - https://groups.stanford.edu/events/247711
They invite fellow OCMBA business school alumni to join them for an evening of networking and great conversation as they toast the summer in style at one of Newport Beach’s chicest new spots.
Join them Wednesday, July 22 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at The Pub, The Elwood Club at Pendry Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr, Lobby Level, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
Additional Event Details
- Cash bar: Food and additional beverages available for purchase.
- Parking: Valet $15 (not included) or Free parking on Newport Center Drive or Fashion Island (3 minute walk).
- Business attire preferred.
- Ticket sales are final -- no refunds or cancellations accepted.
- This event will sell out quickly as space is limited.
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here: https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
7 attendees
Hack OC 7/24/26-7/26/26
Rogue Collective, Newport Beach, California, CA, USHack OC is an upcoming community-led hackathon organized by Friends of Figma, Irvine.
RSVP using the link - https://www.hackoc.com/
Their goal is to bring together local designers, developers, and product thinkers to collaborate, learn, and create meaningful projects.
Join them Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 9:00AM to 9:00PM at the Rogue Collective, Newport Beach.
Who should attend?
Hack OC is open to:
- Designers (UX/UI, visual, product)
- Developers (frontend, backend, full-stack)
- Product managers, founders, and business strategists
- Students, career switchers, and professionals
All experience levels are welcome — curiosity, collaboration, and willingness to build matter most.
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here:https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
5 attendees
Past events
1105
