LOCAL businesses learned how to work together at a networking event in Sunshine last week.

It was a day for small businesses in the West to meet and see what they could do to help each other.

The event featured 30 stalls, with everything from technical support to workplace skills, banking and leadership advice.

More than 120 people attended the event, hosted by the Telstra Business Centre Melbourne West.

Director Karyn Sobels said the day was about people in the West dealing with people in the West.

“If we are all each other’s customers we can help each other and keep the money here.”

Ms Sobels said the way to grow a business was to make sure the other businesses it dealt with were healthy and growing.

“Let small businesses expose themselves to others, but let’s deal with people in the West.”

Small business owner Janet Pearson said the event was a great idea to connect with other western suburbs businesses.

With three employees at the Williamstown-based Technology Matters, Ms Pearson relies on networking and relationships to find business.

“After today we have a handful of good leads to follow up on, so it was time well spent.”

Grant Hackett drew parallels between being successful in sport and in business.

He spoke to the audience about his journey and his determination in setting tough goals and breaking them.

“Its about always looking for an edge and knowing your clients.”

He told the crowd he had since applied the skills learned as a swimmer to the next stage of his life in media and finance.