For more than a century, Lions Clubs have been known for service—volunteers coming together to address pressing community needs. More recently, as the organization continued to evolve, members began seeking opportunities that extended beyond service alone. Many wanted a space to learn from one another, advance professionally, and build trusted business relationships within the Lions fraternity. The Lions Business Network (LBN) grew from this need: a platform that brings together entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners through structured referrals, transparent engagement, and shared values.
The foundation of LBN was laid in November 2018 under the guidance of PID Pravin Chhajed, when twenty-three visionary members in District 3232-B4 imagined a network that could support both business advancement and social good in a manner consistent with the Lions legacy. “LBN was only an idea back then,” recalls District Governor Mukesh Choudhary. “This year, when I presented the model at the International Convention before 800 District Governors, the interest it received was truly encouraging.”
District 3232-B4 became the first to successfully launch LBN, with seven chapters and over 280 members uniting in a network that links enterprise with empathy, strengthening connections and building enduring goodwill for members and their ventures. Each chapter includes only one representative from any business category, ensuring clarity, cooperation, and focused visibility. Members meet every fortnight to share referrals, exchange insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration and service. This consistent engagement has brought more than 500 new members into the Association, demonstrating the depth of trust within the network.
The success of LBN in District 3232-B4 inspired adoption elsewhere. In 2023, then District Governor Deepak Pakhale introduced LBN in District 3232-F2, beginning with seventy members. Today, under the leadership of District Governor Mona Desai, the network has grown to 170 entrepreneurs. Meetings are held monthly in Surat and Vapi—two key commercial centres of the district—while members in other regions participate actively through a dedicated WhatsApp group.
“In the last five months alone, 500 referrals have been exchanged, generating business over Rs.10 crores,” shares Ankur Goyal, LBN Chairperson for District 3232-F2. “We have already welcomed twenty new members, with another twenty expected to join soon.”
For many members, LBN has offered far more than business opportunities. Past LBN Chairperson Julie Panchal describes it as “a turning point in my journey,” offering leadership opportunities, continuous learning, and a strong professional network. Dr. Vandil Patel, a member since LBN’s inception in 3232-B4 adds that the network has strengthened his medical practice and helped him identify new service pathways for underserved communities.
Advisor Kunal Shah summarizes the sentiment shared across districts: “Through LBN, we serve and we grow together. It strengthens service, supports business, deepens relationships, and provides an effective platform to welcome new members into the Lions family.”
