Although the Hawks continue to wait on a response from the NBL about their bid for inclusion in next season's restructured competition, they have not stopped moving forward with their bold scheme to stay alive.

Save the Hawks campaign leader Mat Campbell said a business model was nearing completion, while almost half the five-member board had been selected.

The confirmed directors are solicitor and former Illawarra Youth League basketballer Peter Bahlmann and accountant Andrew Newhouse.

"Andrew and Peter are both long-time supporters of the Hawks and they have very credible reputations around town," Campbell said. "They're an important part of our independent, fresh look and they're big believers in the club becoming a community-owned company. They both have the Wollongong Hawks as their main priority.

"Hopefully we'll have the rest of the board decided by the end of next week."

In further good news for the club, $5000 foundation membership pledges are up to 83 on the official rescue website (www.savethehawks.com), while the number of season-ticket member pledges has surpassed 1300.

"There's been some very encouraging signs and feedback on the website.

"One of the big positives is the fact there's 400 new people registered as season-ticket members, and it's really pleasing to see our foundation pledges getting closer to our goal of 100.

"Our objective is to keep the Hawks in the NBL and to promote basketball in the Illawarra," Campbell said.

"We want to provide pathways for the kids of the Illawarra to increase their chances of playing for an elite team in the region.

"Through our various community programs we want to get out there and continue to form relationships with community groups and businesses ... and continue to have our Hawks players be seen as role models, especially for kids to look up to.

"Without the community support there will be no Hawks and no national sporting team based in the region," Campbell warned.

"I encourage all businesses in the Illawarra and individuals to get behind the bid and pledge their support online.

"Your pledge could be the one that keeps the Hawks alive for years to come."