Lessons from Local Leaders:

Marcus Haines

Empowering Small Businesses with NetVest: A Conversation with Marcus Haines

In today’s fast-paced digital world, small businesses often struggle to find the right resources, networking opportunities, and tools to scale effectively. Enter NetVest, a dynamic virtual platform designed to bridge this gap and provide small businesses with everything they need to thrive. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Marcus Haines, the CTO of NetVest, about how the platform came to be, what makes it unique, and how it’s shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Birth of NetVest: A COVID-Era Innovation

While many people used the COVID-19 lockdown to adopt new hobbies or revamp their homes, Marcus and his wife, Michelle Haines (CEO of NetVest), decided to launch a business. The inspiration for NetVest stemmed from their personal struggles as entrepreneurs trying to network and grow their business while the world was shut down. They saw the critical need for an online platform where businesses could connect, find resources, and share opportunities—all in one place.

“We didn’t just want another networking site; we wanted to build a space where small businesses could truly thrive,” Marcus explained.

What Makes NetVest Different?

Unlike traditional networking platforms such as LinkedIn, NetVest is free to use and offers more than just profile-based connections. Marcus described NetVest as a “sexier version of LinkedIn”, packed with innovative features such as:

• Virtual networking events, including speed networking sessions and industry-specific meetups.
• Small business collaboration groups, where companies can team up to bid on contracts together.
• Educational webinars, featuring experts sharing insights on topics like marketing, funding, and business growth.
• Business showers, an exciting feature where startups can create a registry of resources—similar to a baby shower—to help get their business off the ground.

Providing Value—For Free

One of the most surprising aspects of NetVest is its free access to small businesses. Marcus shared that many people ask, “How do you make money?” The answer? Corporate sponsorships and advertising cover the costs, ensuring that small businesses can utilize the platform’s robust tools without financial barriers.

“Nickel-and-diming businesses for basic services wasn’t the route we wanted to take,” Marcus said. “Our goal is to create a thriving business ecosystem where companies can grow together.”

Supporting Female Entrepreneurs

With NetVest being a female-founded company, Michelle Haines leads initiatives that support women entrepreneurs through dedicated networking groups, mentorship sessions, and exclusive events. These spaces provide women business owners with the opportunity to share challenges, gain insights, and build strong professional networks.

Expanding Opportunities Through Partnerships

NetVest isn’t just about networking—it’s about growth. The platform connects small businesses with contracting opportunities, funding resources, and talent acquisition tools. One standout example is their collaboration with Mark Alberts, an Emmy Award-winning media professional, who educates businesses on leveraging media exposure to build their brand.

Additionally, NetVest hosts virtual job fairs, helping small businesses attract top talent—a crucial component of long-term success.

Building a Strong Entrepreneurial Community

Community is at the heart of NetVest. Whether it’s veteran-owned businesses, cybersecurity professionals, or university alumni groups, the platform fosters tight-knit communities where entrepreneurs can learn from one another and collaborate on projects.

The Future of NetVest

Looking ahead, Marcus and Michelle envision NetVest becoming an essential tool for small businesses nationwide. Their next big step? Expanding private channels for businesses, allowing companies to customize their space within NetVest and optimize their operations with AI-driven tools, such as resume screening and productivity-enhancing features.

“In five years, we want NetVest to be ingrained in every small business’s daily operations,” Marcus said.

Marcus’s Advice for Entrepreneurs

Marcus wrapped up our conversation with a quote that embodies NetVest’s mission:

“Your net worth is only as big as your network.”

NetVest is more than just a platform—it’s a movement, helping small businesses connect, collaborate, and succeed in a competitive world.

Where to Find NetVest

Ready to take your business to the next level? You can join NetVest at NetVest.com or download the NetVest app on iOS and Android. Follow them on social media at @NetVest_LLC on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates on upcoming events and resources.

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