Background and Overview:

Business associations and chambers of commerce play a pivotal role in building a foundation for sustainable economic development. They are uniquely positioned to unite the business community around a set of common issues, develop solutions, advocate for change, and monitor implementation. While it is difficult for individual firms to address economic problems at a policy level, the process of private sector advocacy enables associations and chambers to improve economic regulations and, more importantly, strengthen participatory democratic institutions.

In addition to being drivers of economic change and advocates for democratic reform, business associations and chambers must also fulfill their organizational mandate to serve the interests of their members in an effective manner. CIPE and its local partners work to empower business associations and chambers of commerce to:

• Make the case for democratic, market-oriented reform through communications and advocacy programs.
• Advocate economic policy reform by developing National Business Agendas, hosting economic policy dialogues, providing in-depth analyses of issues (such as privatization and tax reform), and mobilizing the private sector to become more involved in the democratic process by forming coalitions.
• Combat corruption and promote transparency through programs that support good corporate governance, foster democratic institutions, and enhance the rule of law.
• Create opportunity through programs that offer entrepreneurship education, lower barriers to entrepreneurship, and provide services to association members.

Programs and Resources:

• Virtual Business Association

• Business Associations Study: Organizational and Legal Models of Chambers
  

• Professional and Organizational Development Programs for Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce
  

• The Institute for Organization Management: Romania
  

• National Chambers of Commerce: A Primer on the Organization and Role of Chamber Systems
  

• Business Association Training Programs (click here for summary)
  

• National Business Agenda Guidebook: The Voice of Business ( Also available in Russian, Romanian, and Urdu)
  
  

Women entrepreneurs form a Regional Coalition of Women Business Associations.