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Join a network
An individual or business does not become a member of BALLE itself but of a local BALLE network. Join a local network already established in your region, and work with others to build a sustainable and prosperous community. To find out whether your area already has a BALLE network, check out our Local Networks page.
If you represent an existing regional business network that would like to join BALLE, learn about becoming a BALLE network:
Benefits and responsibilities of network membership
Members of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies are autonomous local business networks committed to creating thriving local economies in their regions. These networks support one another with information, new resources, program ideas, and other connections. We continuously collect and share new ideas and initiatives so the benefits of being a part of BALLE grow all the time! Network responsibilities therefore include writing detailed descriptions of successful programs and events so that other networks can benefit from your experience.
Annual network membership dues: $500
Members only
New member networks immediately receive access to the Members-Only Section of our website, which includes the following tools:
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Tip sheets on how to establish a local network, recruit members, and obtain funding
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Program ideas for community education campaigns, encouraging sustainable business practices, and strengthening community-based businesses and organizations
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Quick-start guide to forming a nonprofit organization
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Organizational documents such as articles of incorporation, by-laws, board member roles and responsibilities, and committee descriptions
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Sample proposals and grant applications
These startup tools will save you thousands of dollars and/or hundreds of hours of time in the initial years!
Ongoing network benefits include:
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Ongoing one-on-one consultation with BALLE staff on operations, program development, funding strategies, and referrals to key partners and resources
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National and regional conferences that bring together dynamic leaders, including regional training retreats for local network coordinators
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Comprehensive Local First campaign how-to kit that includes sample promotional material, logos, budgets, timelines, and other planning documents
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Monthly newsletters, peer-to-peer conference calls, and member-only calls with visionary business owners, community organizers, authors, and public leaders
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Media visibility and PR through BALLE press releases, referrals, and articles
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Access to our online library of members-only resources, including the program materials of other local BALLE networks
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Collaboration with strategic partners, such as the Social Venture Network (SVN)
To join:
Steering committees of 5 - 15 business leaders are welcome to contact us and start the application process to become a BALLE network. To find out more, order an information kit on how to start a network (go to the bottom of the Contact Us page).
