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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:
The 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.
New member networks immediately receive access to the Members-Only Section of our website, which includes the following tools:
- Tip sheets on how to establish a local network, recruit members, and obtain funding
- Program ideas for community education campaigns, encouraging sustainable business practices, and strengthening community-based businesses and organizations
- Quick-start guide to forming a nonprofit organization
- Organizational documents such as articles of incorporation, by-laws, board member roles and responsibilities, and committee descriptions
- Sample proposals and grant applications
Ongoing network benefits include:
- Ongoing one-on-one consultation with BALLE staff on operations, program development, funding strategies, and referrals to key partners and resources
- National and regional conferences that bring together dynamic leaders, including regional training retreats for local network coordinators
- Comprehensive Local First campaign how-to kit that includes sample promotional material, logos, budgets, timelines, and other planning documents
- Monthly newsletters, peer-to-peer conference calls, and member-only calls with visionary business owners, community organizers, authors, and public leaders
- Media visibility and PR through BALLE press releases, referrals, and articles
- Access to our online library of members-only resources, including the program materials of other local BALLE networks
- Collaboration with strategic partners, such as the Social Venture Network (SVN)
Website information:
We offer a customizable website with member directory, online marketplace for listing local businesses, and events calendar. The website interface allows the network to easily add and update web pages, text, and graphics without needing to understand computer code or special software.
- Setup fee: $975 for basic site; $1500 for site that includes the online marketplace (see separate sheet for all available packages)
- Annual hosting fee: $360
