We suggest the following steps:  

1.  Arouse local interest

• Contact us to see if we have received other interest from your community.  Several IBAs have launched from the interest of citizens in a given community who didn't know each other previously -- we just shared their contact information with each other.  
  
• Show your information portfolio to others you think should know about an IBA and might want to be part of it -- particularly those who are good candidates for an initial steering committee.  You  want support and organizing help from the outset.  Visit folks individually or convene prospects at an informal gathering or in a more formal meeting.  Remember:  IBAs are comprised of local business owners, citizens and community organizations -- include each in your initial recruitment efforts!
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper indicating your plans. Such a column or letter can draw out numerous potential allies. Contact us for help (no charge) in crafting your letter to generate maximum response or for samples. For skilled writers, we're happy to help you craft a more in-depth op-ed article.
• Bring in an expert from AMIBA for a presentation and organizers' training. Your effort gains instant credibility when your audience recognizes a national movement is afoot and the compelling success stories from IBAs around the country will inspire folks to action. AMIBA affiliates receive a 50% discount on our presentations and community trainings, and any group that affiliates within 90 days following a presentation will receive the discount retroactively.
  
  

Affiliate with AMIBA

Once you decide to start an IBA in your community, affiliate with AMIBA to get a package of starter materials including our posters and window decals, access to a huge array of resources, and the ongoing advisory support of AMIBA's expert staff and dozens of other groups like yours. AMIBA is an organization of, by and for local groups supporting their independent businesses and communities. 

Contact us for application and affiliation or see our benefits for details.

Independent Business Alliance is a registered mark of the American Independent Business Alliance.  Affiliation includes license to use the name. 

Once we receive your application, we immediately send you your start-up kit, access to member resources online and make ourselves available for consultation anytime!

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