BENEFITS TO YOUR BUSINESS BY BECOMING A MEMBER OF SBNP

Membership in the Sustainable Business Network of Portland {SBNP} helps strengthen your economic sustainability as well as the viability of Portland’s local, sustainable economy. Investing in a membership helps your business in the following ways:

Extends your marketing power and reach by:

• exposing your business to a wider market of customers seeking out locally owned, independent and sustainable businesses
• connecting your business with the local, sustainable movement through the use of SBNP and Local First logos in your marketing
• leveraging your impact by participating in targeted joint promotions throughout the year such as Eat Local Week in the Fall and Buy Local Week in December

Provides you with education, training, networking and collaboration opportunities, including:

• discounts on networking and educational events, such as forums, panels and workshops, and on booths at trade fairs
• free subscription to our bi-monthly electronic updates/newsletter
• peer-to-peer advice, consulting and networking
• affiliation with the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), which represents more than 20,000 entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada (discounted rates at the annual conference as well as free access to those businesses through the online marketplace.)
• free listing in a printed member-to-member directory
• exclusive member-to-member discounts on goods and services
• co-op advertising opportunities in print and radio
• opportunities to host Sustainability in Action Business Tour at your company
• opportunities to participate as a panelist or speaker at one of our monthly on-going events.

Provides opportunities to strengthen our community, including:

• providing a forum for advocacy and amplifying your voice on public policies that support independent local businesses and farms, promote economic equity, and protect the environment
• representing your interests with municipal government, Portland Development Commission and other city agencies
• participating in educating our community about the importance of supporting locally owned businesses to help maintain our overall quality of life and the uniqueness of our neighborhoods
• finding support from a community of like-minded local business owners who share your challenges and your vision!
• linking you with an experienced, seasoned organization with a track record of success since 2003.