Joining business and professional organisations gives access to advice, information, mentors and role models, discounts, and skill development. Membership adds to your credibility and visibility.

Canberra is home to a wealth of organisations as many have their national office here. You can find an extensive directory of government and business associations at www.business.gov.au/Business+Entry+Point/GB+Directory/

There is a wide range of ACT-based organisations to choose from. We’ve listed the main business organisations with their web sites so you can contact them for further information.

ACT Chamber of Women in Business

The Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit, member-based association promotion and supporting the success of local businesswomen. Joining gives access to a supportive environment plus online member directory, discounts, promotional opportunities, role models, mentors, skills and know-how. http://www.cwb.org.au

The Micro and Home Business Association

MHBA is a Canberra based not-for-profit professional association supporting the micro and home business sector. It provides support, representation, business services, training and networking. http://www.mhba.org.au/

Capital Region BEC

CRBEC is a not-for-profit organisation whose role is to assist the growth and development of the small business in our region. It is part of network of around 100 Business Enterprise Centres across Australia (and around 20 within NSW). http://www.crbec.com.au

Canberra Business Council Inc

The Canberra Business Council represents individual businesses on key issues of importance to the ACT including economy and planning, new businesses, promotions, communications and local industry.  www.canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au

Australian Business Ltd

Australian Business Limited is a member-based business improvement organisation with more than 100 years experience in advice, networking, support and advocacy. http://www.australianbusiness.com.au

ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Chamber is a membership based, not-for-profit organisation with a history in Canberra dating back to 1932. The Chamber represents approximately 1, 000 members from a wide variety of business types and sizes across the Canberra region, including all areas of industry, commercial businesses and professional services. http:// www.actchamber.com.au

Family Business Australia

FBA is a national, member-based, not-for-profit organisation for family business owners and their professional advisers. A chapter operates in the ACT. http://www.fambiz.com.au

Queanbeyan Business Council

The Queanbeyan Business Council provides a forum for the promotion of Queanbeyan region as a place to live and do business. http://www.queanbeyanbusinesscouncil.com.au/

Indigenous Business Chamber of Australia Inc

The Chamber’s primary role is to represent the indigenous business community, interact with Government, and other business chambers and associations.

http://www.actchamber.com.au/files/Affiliations/indigenous.html

Multicultural Business Chamber of Australia Inc

The Chamber is a not-for-profit incorporated association. The Chamber’s primary role is as the peak body providing a business chamber for multicultural business people and others with an interest in multicultural business and to support opportunities to create business relationships. http://www.multicultural.com.au/home.htm

Australian Institute of Management ACT

AIM NSW & ACT holds regular events which both members and non-members may attend. http://www.aimnsw.com.au

National Press Club

While not a business organisation, the National Press Club is a Canberra icon institution which holds regular functions www.npc.org.au/html/

Capital Region Enterprise and Employment Development Association

CREEDA is an enterprise development agency focusing on the development of employment opportuntities through small business development. It operates a network of three business incubators in the ACT.www.creeda.com.au

EPICORP

Epicorp is an information and communication technology commercialisation centre and is supported by the ICT Incubators Program of the Australian Government. www.epicorp.com.au