What is a business association?
A business association is a group of like-minded people in business who come together to help each other succeed.
Benefits of being part of a business association
The types of benefits that joining a business association can bring include:
- Networking opportunities: connect and build relationships that help your business.
- Skill development: access events to improve your business skills.
- Insights: stay informed about industry trends and opportunities.
- Resilience support: get help to better navigate challenges.
- Access to research and data: draw on evidence to make informed decisions.
- Visibility and credibility: access promotion opportunities and improve perceptions of your business by being part of a reputable organisation.
- Collective vision: work with others to deliver activities that enable your business community to prosper.
Being part of a business association can be a strategic move for any business looking to grow and stay competitive.
Take the next step to open opportunities for your business.
Finding the right business association
Search online
Searching on the web and social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook can help you locate a business association, explore the services it offers and consider whether it is right for you.
Example search queries:
- ‘Business association in Northcote’
- ‘Tourism business group in Gippsland’
- ‘Sri Lanka business council in Victoria’
- 'Local traders group in Glenroy'
- 'Business chamber of Wodonga'.
Check in with your local council
Your local council can help you find business associations in your area. It can also let you know about local business events, news and opportunities.
Explore your council’s business web page to find directories of local business and trade associations. For example, the City of Melbourne, City of Darebin and City of Monash all list their local trader groups online.
Call or email your council’s economic development team to find out what groups are active in your area.
Not sure which council you’re in? Search Know Your Council tool to find out.
Contact trusted advisors
Accountants, lawyers and other business advisors often have connections with business associations and can provide recommendations.
Your community contacts may also be able to recommend a multicultural and other business associations that have met their business needs.
Start a new association
If the right business association does not already exist, and you know of other businesses that have a similar desire to collaborate, you could consider creating a new business group.
This can help fill a gap to provide more businesses with an opportunity to be part of a supportive business community.
As your group matures, you could consider registering it as an incorporated association.
See our guidance about things to know before registering as an incorporated association.
Consumer Affairs Victoria provides resources for organisations to become incorporated: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/clubs-and-fundraising/incorporated-associations