Wayne County Networking launches free monthly meetup for local business owners

Wayne County Networking is inviting entrepreneurs across Wayne County, Indiana, to a free monthly meeting in Richmond on Aug. 27, 2026. The referral-based group says the event offers no-cost networking, a business directory listing and limited seats for about 30 attendees.

Why it matters: - Wayne County Networking is giving small business owners a free, local place to meet, exchange referrals and build visibility without paying membership dues. - The group is aiming to connect entrepreneurs across Richmond and nearby Wayne County communities that may not have easy access to traditional networking groups.

What happened: - Wayne County Networking invited entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Wayne County, Indiana, to attend its monthly meeting in Richmond. - The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. - The event runs from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the Best Western Plus Conference Hall, 533 W. Eaton Pike, Richmond, Indiana. - Organizers are asking attendees to RSVP in advance at event registration because seating is limited to about 30 people.

The details: - Wayne County Networking is a free, referral-based small business networking community. - The group meets every last Thursday of the month. - Founder and coordinator Dennis Alejo said the mission is to help business owners become “found, known, referred.” - Alejo said the group was built so business owners across the county have a no-cost way to meet, build trust and send business to one another. - The group does not charge dues or membership fees. - Members receive a free business directory listing optimized for local search. - Members can also be featured on the organization’s podcast. - Member highlight features promote businesses to the group. - The community is focused on sending referrals to fellow members. - The membership base includes business owners from Liberty, Cambridge City, Winchester, Hagerstown, Centerville, Fountain City, Economy and nearby Lynn. - Organizers say more local business owners are welcome to join. - Wayne County Networking says more information is available at the company’s website.

Between the lines: - The no-fee model lowers the barrier for small businesses that may be reluctant to join paid networking or trade groups. - The referral-first format suggests the event is designed less as a general mixer and more as a structured business-building tool. - Limiting attendance to about 30 people may help keep the group personal and make more one-on-one connections possible.

What's next: - The Aug. 27 meeting is the next scheduled opportunity for local business owners to join. - Organizers are encouraging early RSVPs because the event has limited capacity. - Wayne County Networking will continue meeting every last Thursday of the month at the Richmond venue.

The bottom line: - Wayne County Networking is betting that free access, small-group size and referral-based relationships will appeal to local entrepreneurs looking for practical business connections.