The Hawkesbury home-based business network provides help and encouragement to its members.

At fortnightly meetings the group discusses topics such as debt collection, bank fees, office equipment, insurance and employment.

Network co-ordinator and owner of Hawkesbury Sightseeing Tours Janice Hart said people can feel cut off when employed at home.

``Being home based you work a lot in isolation,'' she said.

``You have to be your own everything  accounts, marketing and administrator.''

Guest speakers give businesses within the group the information needed to develop.

``People have the same questions no matter what business they're in  the basic situation is the same for everybody,'' Ms Hart said.

Life coach and network member Leslie Morris believes self-motivation is key to operating a business from home.

``Many join home based because they're a group that help motivate each other,''she said.

The opportunity to bounce ideas, network, build trust and a referral base among other businesses is a strong incentive to join the group.

Wayne Wagstaff, who runs Speedboar Machining, said one of the best aspects of the network was the ability to draw on the expertise of other home-based businesses.

``They are going to give you an unbiased opinion because you are related within the group  that's where the trust factor is,'' he said.

The group meets in the Tebbutt Room, Deerubbin Centre, Windsor, on the second Tuesday of each month from February to November, at 6.30pm. Details: 45731380.