1. What makes BNA different from other organizations?

Good question, there are many organizations doing excellent work to improve conditions in their communites, what makes BNA different is we support those organizations through a collaborative effort utilizing a unique platform that bridges both non-profits, business and communities together, to bring about greater economic sustainability for everyone involved.
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2. Why the focus is on non-profits and small businesses?

Many non-profit organizations have experienced compounding donor losses coupled by shrinking government revenue to operate efficentlyly, plus many small business entities have been affected by the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, have not fully recovered inflation, supply chain and labor shortage. We believe a combined unified approach for non-profits and local small business can improve economic outcomes when working together. Click here.
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3. What's the business model for BNA, how does it work?

Nonprofits → Businesses → Community

Nonprofits gain new fundraising and revenue opportunities, businesses gain customers and partnerships, and communities gain stronger local economic and civic relationships.
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4. What is the ultimate mission of BNA, how will it be accomplished?

The mission of the Building Non-Profit Association is to strengthen nonprofit organizations and local communities by connecting nonprofits with small businesses through cost-effective outreach, reciprocal partnerships, shared resources, technology, and community engagement.

BNA seeks to transform nonprofit-business relationships from occasional sponsorships into ongoing reciprocal partnerships that create measurable economic and community value.
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5. Who can be listed and published on the BNA Directory?

The BNA directory is a FREE service we offer to all businesses and organizations to increase visibility, engagement and customer acquisitions. Businesses must access the directory to be published through their local non-profit BNA center. All listings must be moderated by BNA administration.
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6. Why should I consider joining BNA?

There are many reasons a business should consider joining BNA, here's a short bullet point of key reasons businesses join BNA:

• Accelerated client acquisition
• Stronger client retention
• Reciprocal referral opportunities
• Professional networking
• Increased community visibility
• Business-to-business partnerships
• Professional development
• Shared resources and technology

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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 small 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 small businesses miss opportunities because of distraction and preoccupation.
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10. There are three member levels, what's the difference?

There are three options for new on-boarding non-profit and business members to choose from. Members can choose the basic free membership, which has many features and benefits, the next level is the monthly Professional which include all features plus the marketing, custom website design and maintenance, then the last is the Professional annual level, which offers a 10% discount.
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11. What are the FREE features and advantages of BNA?

Participating businesses receive access to the BNA business-development ecosystem at no cost.

Potential free benefits include:

• Member directory
• Professional networking
• Business-to-business connections
• Reciprocal referral opportunities
• Community groups
• Community bulletin
• Online networking
• 24-hour online chat
• Career development resources
• Professional development resources
• Shared community resources
• Events and networking opportunities
• BNA software platform
• Nonprofit/business engagement opportunities

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12. Can my employees participate in BNA?

Yes! As a matter of fact, we encourage it, you can offer membership to your employees to connect to other local businesses 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 employees
2) It secures your sales force when they are successful in their positions
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13. How does BNA help me as a business owner?

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 Reciprocal Business Development, how does it work?

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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