Many small businesses in Niagara don't have store fronts, said Josie Jansen, executive director of Small Business Club Niagara.

So organizations like Small Business Club Niagara and Women in Niagara are crucial for networking in a comfortable setting.

Women in Niagara, a not-for-profit organization, functions for women from any field to meet and share ideas, which can be business or personal.

"Women can feel intimidated when they go out and meet people," Jansen said.

The organization holds events usually every two months, which can be anything from the Spring Fling fashion show to having a health speaker come for a talk.

"We just want women to have fun, if they want to promote their business or learn something, they can," said the club's Terri Galipeau.

Women in Niagara emerged from Small Business Club Niagara in 2002 to give women an opportunity to build alliances, network, promote their business and make contacts, Galipeau said.

"I think that's why women love it," Jansen said. "Women work differently and need to form bonds."

Jansen, who is also the co-founder of Women in Niagara, said their mission statement is to inspire women through learning, laughing and sharing.

The group has expanded to 170 members and benefits entrepreneurs who work from home because it allows them to introduce themselves and their business to the community.

The next event, Martini and a Manicure, is tomorrow at Stella's, 45 James street, in St. Catharines.

Manicures will be done by group members.

Every one is invited and the cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members.

Contact Small Business Club Niagara at 905-685-6100 to reserve a spot.