1. What determines a Urban owned entity?

Any urban company, organization or company including businesses, non-profits, civic groups, social organizations, professional and trade organizations and affinity groups can join the BNA community.

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2. Why the focus is on urban owned entities?

Urban operated entities have disproportionately been affected by the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 47% of business enterprises in urban districts closed their doors permanently as a result. Funding came too little and too late. Many were classified as non essential businesses, and did not qualify for funding sources, which resulted in devastating outcomes. We are making an effort to restore urban communities to full economic restoration. See full details view your community page. Click here.
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3. Can home-based businesses be listed on BNA directory?

Yes, so long as it is a legally established entity that meets our guidelines for listing. Sole proprietors and independent contractors are encouraged to get listed. Members can join FREE, also have the option to upgrade their member levels to premium for $10 per month. Our directory have high impressions, and conversions. Click
Here for more information.
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4. Who owns Black Network Associates (BNA)?

Although BNA was originally founded and co-founded by Eric Culpepper and William Murphy, the organization is structured as a collective body, every member within BNA, has the ability to establish their local chapter stimulate their communities through network referral partnerships, funding sources, local resources, tutoring, mentor-ship programs. Ownership is the power that makes BNA great it does not lie in the hands of a few, but in the hands of the many. See our Community page. Click HERE.for more information.
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5. Are all of the entities listed on BNA Directory Black owned?

No!We focus on urban communities, which most are comprised of minorities, this however is not the case where BNA solely focus on minority entities only, but the community as a whole. The classification of what constitute an urban business is this densely settled areas consisting of 2,000 or more housing units or 5,000 or more people. All other areas are considered rural (see Redefining Urban Areas following the 2020 Census for more details).
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6. Why should I consider joining BNA?

There are many reasons to consider joining. With our online community, members can pass referrals in real time electronically, claim their FREE business listing on BNA online directory, with national exposure, hold virtual workshops, mentor-ship programs, business resources, build teams online virtually, start a chapter locally or both. Get connected to your team members in real-time, online learning management system, with courses covering various subject matter, from marketing, to economics, business strategies and much more. We have only scratched the surface of what is available with membership, but is truly a must see to appreciate experience. For a detailed overview of our community, please Click Here.

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7. What is the advantages of getting listed on BNA?

Google places listings for businesses is well known, but one of the draw backs, is that, without purchasing certain key phrases and adwords, it is not far reaching. Here is the advantages with being listed on the BNA Directory, you truly own your listing and how it is displayed. You can upload documents to your listing to show your credentials, certification and accreditation. You have a national and local presence, you can upload a video, to highlight your message and captivate your audience. You can interact with the people who engage with your listing, it is optional as a member of BNA, but highly recommended, we can guarantee one thing is for certain, no new business will come from our directory if you are not listed. click here.
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8. What is involved with starting a virtual chapter?

Any member can opt to start a virtual chapter, our process is simple, members can open their digital office and began professional networking with businesses in a matter of days. most members find virtual chapters easy to setup and operate.
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9. What type of resources can I expect as a member of BNA?

There are many tools and resources we provide to help stimulate economic stratification for our members, tons of articles, publications, consult with online community for answers to questions in real-time, but the biggest hurdle we have seen is funding sources for urban businesses, we proactive research and look for all sources rather if by SBA micro loans, new stimulus funds, or through block grant funding sources, we broadcast to all of our members and provide step-by-step instructions when these windows present themselves, more often urban businesses miss opportunities because of distraction and preoccupation, when we become a collective, a hive mind sort of speak, being in the know is being ahead of the curve when it comes.
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10. There are three member levels, what's the difference?

There are three options for new on-boarding members to choose. Members can choose the basic free membership, which has many features and benefits (there are requirements for members under this level, the next level is the Premium which include all features plus the directory listing, then the last is the Professional level, which include all features, the directory listing and a custom build website, provided by High Impact Web Designs for the cost of membership. The Professional level is two memberships in one.JOIN TODAY!
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11. Can I contribute as a Non Minority?

Absolutely, we encourage everyone to get involved with bolstering their local economy by patronizing businesses in urban districts, they count on your support to keep them going. We can do more than just survive but thrive, with the backing of total community support. Check out our BNA Online Directory for the nearest urban entities in your area. Click here.
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12. Can my minority employees participate in BNA?

Yes! As a matter of fact, we encourage it. If your company or organization resides outside of an urban district, yet employ minorities, you can offer membership to your employees to connect to people in urban districts with the purpose to stimulate and bolster more business, for themselves and each other. Here are some other considerations
1) You inadvertently benefit from the success of your black employees
2) It secures black employees future when they are successful in their positions
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13. How does BNA help me as a Non Minority?

When urban communities thrive, it benefit all communities as a whole. We are all connected although we may not operate as a collective, other rural communities can benefit when more discretionary spending power exist in urban communities. We are all stronger together, but first we must address the needs of urban communities so then we can ultimately support all communities.
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14. What is the Alliance program?

Because we need allies, we need people to help and not hinder progress. We developed a program called the Strategic Alliance Partnership Program. We provide rural entities that support our initiatives a badge of honor a plaque, wall signage or desk ornament. That shows your solidarity to stand with us in supporting BNA and ultimately urban communities.
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15. How does BNA Differ from other Referral organizations?

BNA members have the ability to pass referrals locally or nationally by digital means, waiting for weekly meetings to pass a lead, is archaic in nature, the digital age and revolution will change the way referral organizations will conduct their business, we are the first generation referral network organization to adopt this approach, we believe there will be more to follow.
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16. How is Digital Revolution Impacting the Industry?

More people will adopt, digital networking in the future as the premier way to stay connected and speed up business development with less time, money and burden.[Go to top]

17. Why More Referral Organization will Adopt Digital?

Black Network Associates (BNA) is raising the bar on how referral organizations will conduct its business for members. With more people working remotely than ever today, there need to be systems in place that allows referring members a way to connect virtually.
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18. How Did the Pandemic usher in the Digital Age?

People were already working remotely, the pandemic sped up that process even more, restricting travel, and large gathering and mixer events [Go to top]

19. What is the Forecast and Outlook for Referral Industry?

We believe virtual chapters will ultimately replace local chapters, the process for referring digitally is more efficient than passing referrals physically.[Go to top]

20. What are some of the technology platforms within BNA?

Members will have many tools available, Bitrix CRM, Website Development, Learning Management System, Zoom integration, Meeting Calendar (Tied to Google) and much more. (See FAQ #24) to see how advanced tech will improve business conditions.[Go to top]

21.Is there technological advancements in the BNA Systems?

Yes there is, and we are always working on new technologies to make our platform even better.[Go to top]

22. Why Learning On Demand, how does it work?

We found that information is best acquired when it is on your own time and schedule, there are many subjects members can learn with our learning management system. It works by having courses, and information repository available on line anytime and any where. [Go to top]

23. How technology leverages time spent on networking?

We believe connectivity will be key in building a referral network, and will allow members less time, resources, and spending money on travel as the cost of fuel continues to go up.[Go to top]

24. Is it possible to grow business utilizing Technology?

Yes! Absolutely, advances in technology will allow more people access to opportunities that did not exist not too long ago. [Go to top]

25. Is there other cost associated with membership for BNA?

Yes! Only if you choose to open a local chapter, or purchase any BNA merchandise. This is completely optional but not required. [Go to top]

26. Is there cost for getting listed on BNA Directory?

Yes! There is real value in getting listed on BNA directory, many business have generated business and additional exposure by having the business and organization listed, the cost for this membership level is $10.[Go to top]

27. What are the cost of membership?

Members can choose their level of membership, basic (FREE), Premium $10 Directory Listing plus Free Features, Professional $40 includes Free Features plus directory listing, and custom website plus CRM for the cost of membership.[Go to top]

28. Is there cost for the learning system within BNA?

No! The learning management system for taking courses, is reserved for Premium and Professional members. This option is not available for Basic (FREE) member levels.[Go to top]

29. Is there cost for NOT joining BNA?

Yes! This may seem like a silly questions, but in reality the cost of not participating will continue to impact urban communities if we do not take action.
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