It’s a difficult time for businesses. Just ask Daniel Hakim.
As the founder of Club of United Business (CUB), a business networking group that has operated for a decade, Hakim has seen firsthand how challenging the past year has been. “Last year was by far the worst situation that I could see our members in and the business community in over the past 10 years,” he tells Mediaweek.
Recognising the need for stronger connections in a fragmented business landscape, Hakim launched the BOA App – a digital-first platform designed to bring Australia’s entrepreneurs and business owners together. And now, its new Inner Circle feature is taking that mission even further.
It’s launch at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Iceberg’s last week showcased a who’s who not only in the Australian business world, but also the media. Proof of Hakim’s ability to network far and wide.
Jackie O at the Boa Inner Circle Launch.
A unique platform for business owners
BOA has already built a thriving community, with “tens of thousands of businesses” engaging in events and sub-communities across the platform. “The Inner Circle brings a lot of attention to the app,” says Hakim. “You know, it is very unique.”
The feature provides a space where Australia’s most successful young entrepreneurs can connect, share insights, and support one another. “It’s the first time they’ve ever been all interconnected in one group and have a way to contact each other, help each other, and meet each other,” he explains.
Hakim sees Inner Circle as a natural extension of BOA’s mission: “We want to ensure that every business owner in the country has access to a community of others on the same path to help each other succeed and, I guess, make the impact in the world.”
A new approach to business networking
Hakim knows that business networking often comes with baggage – stiff events, forced introductions, and a transactional mindset. BOA is determined to change that.
“We want to make networking cool,” Hakim says. “We want to do it in a way that isn’t, you know, that crappy networking people have in their head. Our approach is relationship-focused. Rather than just selling to each other or referring business, we want people to build genuine relationships – essentially, friendships.”
This shift in networking culture is already resonating with BOA’s community. “For many of these people, they’re not going to networking events because there aren’t that many great ones out there,” says Hakim. “They love the culture and atmosphere of our style of networking. More than that, they’re connecting with people they already know while meeting new people. It’s a really special blend for them.”
Daniel Hakim taking to the stage at the Boa Inner Circle Launch.
A community built on giving
BOA’s Inner Circle isn’t just about making connections – it’s about fostering a culture of generosity among business leaders.
“These people are so giving,” says Hakim. “In fact, they all ended up in the Inner Circle because they were giving their time, their knowledge, their experiences, and even leveraging their own networks for the benefit of the broader BOA community – for the benefit of all small Australian business owners.”
Despite its growing influence, BOA isn’t focused on monetisation just yet. “Currently, we are not monetising it,” Hakim notes. Instead, the platform is focused on building a strong, engaged community – one that provides real value to its members and helps Australian businesses thrive.
As BOA continues to expand, the Inner Circle may prove to be a game-changer for business networking in Australia – offering a more meaningful way for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and succeed together.
Pictured: Jackie O and Grace Garrick