It sure seems like many folks in the area are feeling the pain -- the continued lack of networking in the DC area for up-and-coming entrepreneurs.  But it is not all gloom and doom.  Sometimes we just have to get out there and network to find help.  With that in mind, there are some people and organizations trying to do something about it, too.  Maybe it's worth sketching out some of the best programs that I have found out there (though I am sure I'll miss some).

Mindshare:  http://www.mindsharealumni.org/  Perhaps one of the strongest entrepreneurial organizations in the DC area since Mario Marino Netpreneur organization faded into the background.  Mindshare, organized by some of the brightest, most altruistic and selfless entrepreneurial minds in the region, invites a class of 50-odd CEOs into a year-long program to share and learn about what it is like to be a CEO entrepreneur.  Rich with first-rate speakers, an impressive alumni group, and sage advice.

MIT Enterprise Forum:  http://www.mitef.org/  This group, loosely affiliated with M.I.T. ( a powerhouse on entrepreneurship and innovation), has early-stage presentations, nationally broadcast webinars and programs, and excellent networking open to anyone for a very modest fee.

George Mason University Business Alliance Grubstake:  http://www.businessalliance.org/grubstake.html  This great program combines the talent of GMU's business and technology departments, students, entrepreneurs, and local business talent to help startups.  They put on three excellent early-stage presentation breakfasts each year, chock-full of investors and entrepreneurs.

The Capital Cabal:  http://capcabal.net/ is a program put on by uber-networker Hank Dearden, with monthly events both in Maryland and Virginia.  Known for their strong turnout of hungry, young entrepreneurial idealists, Hank's events are both affordable and fun.

TIE-DC:  http://www.tie-dc.org/ is one of the largest entrepreneurial efforts in the DC area, providing networking events, mentoring, VC-pitch assistance, and a good time.  Founded by Reggie Aggarwal (C-vent) and Sanju Bansal (Microstrategy), this group has a whos-who of successful entrepreneurs in its board and at the events.

The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, UMD:  http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/dingman/ is a nationally-recognized incubator and source of mentoring for Maryland-based startups.  With an excellent network of alumni and advisors, the Dingman Center excels at coaching and nourishing early stage companies.

And with a nod to Jon Aberman, the Amplifier Network, http://www.amplifiernetwork.com, is doing its best to coach and encourage entrepreneurship.  But you knew that.

So I know I missed some...help me out here....who else is doing great work helping entrepreneurs?