Joining your local chamber of commerce can be a game-changer for growing your small business. In this overview, you’ll learn what chambers of commerce are and the full range of benefits they offer that can help you build your business.
What is a chamber of commerce?
At its core, a chamber of commerce is a network of business owners and professionals that work together with the goal of promoting and supporting your business community. They’re typically organized as non-profit entities that serve as advocates for the interests of their members, which include small, mid-size, and large businesses and corporations. The primary mission of your local chamber of commerce is to foster a positive business climate, support economic development, and enhance the overall quality of life in your area. This is achieved through a variety of services, programs, and advocacy efforts.
While all chambers of commerce focus on business interests, different kinds of chambers can include:
- Local and regional organizations: These operate within your specific city or region, focusing on issues and opportunities relevant to your area.
- State: These organizations represent businesses across the entire state, often working on state-level legislative and policy issues.
- National: The national branch, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, engages in business advocacy and support at the federal level by focusing on specific industries or sectors.
What are the benefits of joining a chamber of commerce?
Chambers of commerce have been around for hundreds of years because business owners often need advocates to voice their issues, concerns, and ideas to improve the business climate in their area or industry. Local chambers of commerce can benefit your business in many important ways. These include:
1. Advocacy and representation
Your local chamber of commerce acts as an advocate for your community’s or region’s businesses. This includes lobbying efforts to influence public policy and legislation to create a more favorable business environment.
2. Networking opportunities
One of the most valuable functions of your local chamber of commerce is providing networking opportunities, such as mixers, trade shows, and business expos. Membership in a local organization can enhance your business profile, credibility, and operations, leading to new business opportunities, referrals, and collaborative projects.
3. Business support and resources
Your local chamber of commerce may offer you a range of resources and support services. This can include educational seminars and training sessions on topics like finance, human resources, and legal issues. Your chamber of commerce can also share important market research that would be difficult for you to get due to the time and expense needed to conduct it effectively.
4. Credibility and trustworthiness
Depending on your industry, your potential customers may research local and state chambers of commerce for business leads. When your business goes the extra mile by joining a chamber of commerce, it demonstrates that you’re vetted and credible. In a time when your customers have to sort through a lot of information and recommendations to find worthy businesses, membership in a chamber of commerce can give you a competitive advantage.
5. Community engagement and economic development
Chambers of commerce often organize or support community events, fundraisers, and initiatives that contribute to your local economic development and support the social well-being of your community. They also work on projects to enhance your local economy, improve infrastructure, and promote the area as a desirable place for business and living.
6. Additional potential member services
Your local chamber of commerce may offer additional services that can benefit small businesses greatly. These might include the option to join insurance pools (to gain coverage for employees at lower rates), member-to-member discounts, and cooperative advertising opportunities to help you gain visibility at lower costs.
How to join your local chamber of commerce
Joining your local chamber of commerce is a straightforward process. Although it may vary slightly from location to location, in general, you simply:
1. Identify the right chamber of commerce to join
Most chambers focus on specific geographic areas, such as your city or region. Be sure to review your local chamber’s mission, membership benefits, and the types of businesses that are involved.
Generally, no strict qualifications are required to join a chamber of commerce, but to be a member, you should be in good standing and have a legitimate business presence. Most chambers are open to businesses of all sizes and industries. However, certain chambers may have specific criteria or membership categories, like geographic or industry-specific requirements.
2. Contact the chamber
This is typically done online, but a phone call or an email is also welcome. Ask about membership benefits, fees, and expectations. Some chambers of commerce may require you to attend a certain number of meetings or volunteer time each year. Knowing the expectations in advance will ensure that you can become and stay a member in good standing.
To maximize the benefits of your chamber membership, you should actively engage with the chamber’s offerings. This includes attending networking events, participating in workshops and seminars, and leveraging promotional opportunities. You should also take advantage of member directories and referral networks to stay informed about advocacy efforts and community involvement opportunities.
3. Apply
Typically, you’ll find the application form online, and it’ll require basic details about your business, including your business name and industry.
4. Submit payment for the membership fee
Most chambers offer varying membership levels based on the size of your business and/or the benefits you’ll receive. Choose the option that’s best suited to your needs and goals. The fees typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.
5. Orientation
After the application process is completed, many chambers offer orientation sessions for new members. These are valuable for learning about the chamber’s services, meeting other members, and understanding how you can fully leverage membership benefits.
Like chambers of commerce, Pursuit supports small businesses
Just as your local chamber of commerce is an advocate for businesses in your area, Pursuit’s team of experts is here to support your business goals, from startup through expansion and beyond. We offer resources, loans, a business line of credit, and advisory services that can help you achieve your dreams – and when you apply with us, we’re a partner in your success.
Take a look at our offerings, then contact us to learn more.
