Business associations are organizations that bring together business owners from a specific area. These small business organizations range from nationwide associations to those that encompass businesses in individual states, counties, cities or neighborhoods. Whatever its scope, a business association can provide a number of benefits to business owners who elect to pay dues and participate as members.

Business Networking Opportunities

According to the National Small Business Association (NSBA), a business association provides its members with opportunities to network and share information and resources. While some businesses that belong to an association are likely to be competitors, they still share certain needs and preferences. In other cases, association members can help one another directly with referrals for services such as accounting, building maintenance, recruiting staff and marketing. Joining a business association provides a new business owner with contact information for other local businesses, speeding up the process of integrating into the community.

Association Political Participation

Business associations allow members to join forces politically. While most associations have no specific party affiliation or political agenda, the political issues that affect business owners are among their concerns. For example, a business association would likely be against a state sales tax increase, since such an increase would directly affect business by forcing customers to pay more. Business associations can contact legislators on behalf of their members and fund political campaigns to push forward legislation that favors commerce.