What are small business associations?

A business association is a membership-based organization dedicated to supporting the commercial interests of its members. These associations offer access to valuable tools, resources and networking events designed to help your small businesses succeed in a competitive marketplace.

By joining a business association, you can connect with other business owners, gain valuable tips and stay informed about the latest small business trends and best practices. Many associations offer services for free or at a low cost, making them accessible to small business owners on a budget.

The U.S. Government sponsors some organizations, while others are private or nonprofit. The Small Business Administration (SBA), which plays a significant role in promoting small business growth, partners with many business associations to provide benefits and support. Services may include business guidance, advice about licenses and permits and assistance in finding small business loans.

Joining a small business association

As you search for a small business association that’s a good fit for your company, consider asking for recommendations from business partners. You can choose from local, state and national business associations, all providing valuable information and services.

Types of business associations

Business associations come in many forms, each offering unique benefits and focusing on different aspects of small business support. Some associations serve a specific segment of the business community, while others welcome members from a particular location. Many business associations have a presence across the country, making resources accessible to business owners in a wide range of locations.

As you consider different types of business associations, look for one that matches your purpose and goals. Groups such as the Entrepreneurs’ Organization help entrepreneurs and start-ups find resources and networking opportunities. 

Others, such as the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), focus on small business advocacy, representing the interests of small business owners at the national level and providing a voice on important policy issues. Trade associations, including the National Retail Federation, often cater to specific industries and offer access to industry-specific resources and best practices.

By joining a business association that aligns with your industry and commercial interests, you can gain access to targeted resources, tools and connections that may help you succeed in your field.

Government-sponsored business associations

These organizations are funded and supported by the federal government.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The Small Business Administration helps owners start and grow companies as a way to strengthen the United States’ economy. It operates a large network of headquarters, field offices, district offices, loan centers and disaster offices across the United States.

National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)

The National Women’s Business Council is a nonpartisan organization that advises the White House, the SBA and the U.S. Congress’s small business committees. Members report on issues related to women entrepreneurs and small business owners. The NWBC is committed to advocating for and uplifting women in business. Membership is limited and competitive, but any business owner can access the organization’s resources.

SCORE Business Mentoring

With a large network of volunteer small business counselors, SCORE can provide a mentor for just about any type of business. SCORE mentors assist small business owners in starting, growing or exiting their companies. They can also help you overcome challenges through personalized guidance and feedback. 

Affiliated with the Small Business Administration, SCORE also offers in-person and online small business success workshops focused on issues such as crisis management, start-ups and e-commerce.

Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

The Veterans Business Outreach Center is another SBA-sponsored association that assists veterans who want to start a small business or improve an existing one. It’s also open to active-duty service members, military spouses and family members. Services include training, mentorship, workshops, counseling and help with business plans. Members can take advantage of a range of military-oriented programs, such as transition assistance and entrepreneurship education.

U.S. Export Assistance Centers

U.S. Export Assistance Centers provide advice and services to businesses that export goods. There are offices in 100 U.S. cities and 70 countries. Owners of small and mid-sized businesses can visit these centers to access market intelligence and get help navigating export regulations or dealing with trade issues.

Private business associations

Private associations operate independently of the U.S. government.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council

One of the staunchest advocates for trade, regulation and laws that help businesses grow, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce represents businesses of all sizes. It also advocates for the interests of local Chambers of Commerce across the nation. The Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council is a policy committee that focuses on issues that concern small businesses. 

United States Minority Chamber of Commerce

The United States Minority Chamber of Commerce helps minority-owned businesses find opportunities and build partnerships, both in the United States and across the globe. Services include investor matchmaking, trade missions, technology training and business consulting. 

Members can also attend networking events to make contacts, learn about minority small business grants and attend workshops. If you’re looking to grow your company, programs such as the Business Expansion Accelerator can help you reach new markets.

Entrepreneurs’ Organization

The Entrepreneurs’ Organization seeks to provide start-up owners with the tools, feedback and benchmark goals needed for success. The organization provides a range of services, including networking, education and peer support. To further its mission of building strong leaders and thriving companies, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization offers an accelerator program to members for a fee. It also offers a membership option designed specifically for student entrepreneurs.

National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)

Independently owned small businesses can network with each other through the National Federation of Independent Businesses. The NFIB advocates for small business owners at the local and federal levels and provides limited legal advice to members. The association also reports on business trends and upcoming legislation that affects small businesses. Unlike many organizations, the NFIB establishes its policy positions based on the input of members.

Business Network International (BNI)

Business Network International (BNI) is a global business networking organization with more than 11,300 chapters around the world. BNI connects small business owners with other business owners and potential customers in their local area. 

The organization’s primary focus is on building strong business relationships and facilitating referrals among members, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and increase revenue. By joining a local BNI chapter, you can gain access to exclusive networking events, a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs and a platform to expand your reach. 

Specialized business associations

These organizations typically support business owners in a specific industry or sector. They can provide highly targeted advice and resources.

International Franchise Association (IFA)

The International Franchise Association opens membership to franchisors, franchisees and suppliers. It provides education about investing in franchises, publishes email newsletters and hosts webinars on a variety of business topics relevant to franchise owners and small businesses. Regular events provide informational sessions and opportunities to network with other members. As a member, you can read industry white papers and the monthly Franchising World digital magazine to get timely small business information and tips.

National Restaurant Association

With more than 40,000 members, the National Restaurant Association is the largest U.S. business organization representing the food service industry. Senior leaders are experts in the restaurant industry who serve on a volunteer basis, advocating at the local, state and national levels for laws that support a safe restaurant industry. 

The association also offers learning opportunities, networking, peer support, research insight and programs to help you develop a stronger workforce.

National Retail Federation (NRF)

The National Retail Federation is an international retail trade organization representing diverse types of retail companies. The NRF advocates for business-friendly legislation in Washington and partners with industries and universities to foster mutually beneficial relationships. 

With membership, retailers can share best practices and access data about industry trends. The NRF also helps small business owners advocate for themselves with local, state and federal regulatory bodies.

American Marketing Association (AMA)

With more than 70 chapters in North America, the American Marketing Association sponsors training, certification courses and networking opportunities for marketing professionals. Regular conferences and educational events help you stay current on topics that affect the industry, including artificial intelligence (AI) and lifecycle marketing. 

ANA Business Marketing

ANA Business Marketing is a collaboration between advertisers and business marketers and has chapters in several major U.S. cities. Supporting the B2B marketing community, ANA provides members with business insights, hosts webinars and sponsors local networking events.

United States Telecom Association (USTelecom)

Representing digital technology companies, the United States Telecom Association is a leader in advocating for government policies that benefit telecom companies and consumers. It also supports local telecom businesses by offering strategy support and educational opportunities.

Nonprofit business associations

Nonprofit business associations operate purely for the benefit of members; they are not concerned with generating a profit for shareholders.

Women’s Business Development Center

The Women’s Business Development Center, which is partially sponsored by the SBA, assists small businesses owned by women and other underserved populations. Headquartered in Chicago, the organization has chapters in nine states in the Midwest region. It provides services including business coaching, procurement and contracting assistance and lending.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

Nonpartisan and nonprofit, the National Association for the Self-Employed supports entrepreneurs and micro-businesses with 10 employees or fewer. By harnessing the collective power of members, it leverages its group negotiating power to provide access to benefits that larger companies enjoy, such as group rates for shipping, supplies and insurance. 

The goal is to help self-employed people grow their businesses and compete with larger companies. As a member, you can also access resources, educational services, tools and publications.

National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)

The National Veteran-Owned Business Association helps veteran-owned small businesses secure contracts with major corporations. Members undergo a thorough certification process; they also have access to training and networking opportunities to help them stay competitive. Over 135 national corporations have partnered with NaVOBA.

Farm Foundation

The Farm Foundation promotes the interests of farm businesses, striving to help farmers and farm workers stay healthy and happy. It provides market development initiatives and helps farmers implement technologies that streamline operations. This nonprofit business association also focuses on world issues such as conservation, sustainability and infrastructure needs.

Ashoka

Ashoka is a business association that seeks to create positive change in the world by supporting socially conscious entrepreneurs. Its fellowship program sponsors changemakers in the United States through grants from member businesses. Membership in Ashoka also comes with a strong community, ongoing support and networking opportunities.

Getting value from a business association membership

Business associations provide a variety of benefits for members, from training and networking to exclusive discounts on insurance, financing and more. To get the most value from your membership, make sure to join relevant programs and attend events. The more you can interact with other members and leaders, the easier it is to build relationships and gain knowledge that can help your company grow.

Take advantage of specific resources and initiatives, such as:

• Industry insights and best practices
• Volunteering and service projects
• Networking events
• Conferences and educational workshops

Whether you’re self-employed or you manage a team of employees, joining a business association can be a strategic way to identify new opportunities, grow your business and achieve lasting success.

Small business associations: Where to start

If you’re ready to start searching for a small business association, your local chamber of commerce can be an excellent resource. These organizations can help you find a small business association that fits your company’s product and mission. Alternatively, try searching online, reading industry trade publications or asking for recommendations from professional contacts.

As you consider the options, it’s worthwhile to vet different associations thoroughly to find the best fit. Joining an association that matches your company’s goals can be an effective way to access the resources you need to succeed in the industry.