Networking can be a life-line for your small business. Choosing the right events and making the right business connections can accelerate company growth. Crain’s offers a great guide for business events in larger cities, organized by industry. However, conferences and expos can be pricey.

Here are some inexpensive alternatives:

• Local Chamber of Commerce
• Industry Associations
• Local Charities
• Minority/Women/Entrepreneurial Associations
• Online Networks like LinkedIn or Ning