Backpacks & Business

A community-driven networking event that brings local professionals together to support students across Hillsborough County.
About this Event

Business is better when it gives back.

Join Networking Leads for Backpacks & Business, a community-driven networking event that brings local professionals together to support students across Hillsborough County as they prepare for the new school year.

School Supply Drive

August 3–6

Drop off new school supplies at Networking Leads throughout the week to help local students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. All donations will benefit the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

Suggested donation items include:

• Backpacks
• Binders (1” & 2”)
• Composition books
• Crayons & colored pencils
• Glue sticks & bottles
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• Markers (dry erase, washable & permanent)
• Mechanical pencils
• Notebook, filler, copy, construction & graph paper
• Erasers

As a thank you, receive 20% off your coffee shop order when you donate school supplies during the drive (limit one discount per customer).

Networking Event & Supply Send-Off

Wednesday, August 6 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Wrap up the week by connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders who believe in making an impact together.

Enjoy meaningful networking while celebrating the collective generosity of our community before we send all donated supplies to the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Whether you’re looking to build new business relationships, support a great cause, or simply meet like-minded people, this event is a chance to do business with purpose.

Come network. Give back. Help local students start the school year strong.

We can’t wait to see you there! 📚✨