Benefits
Joining BIBA gives members access to valuable resources: the energy and creativity of other independents, group purchasing, referrals, and brand recognition. The members of BIBA are known throughout Boulder County as a valuable resource and as a result of BIBA's emphasis on public awareness and community participation, our effectiveness has created national attention.

Who are the members of BIBA?
BIBA members are local independent business owners who care about sustaining their community. Our members range for McGuckin Hardware to the Boulder Army Store and offer a variety of services from Art Galleries to Legal Work to Video Rentals.
download active member list (163 KB)

Markets
BIBA has five markets that address the scope and mission of the alliance. We target independent business owners, employees of independent businesses, Boulder County Homeowners, Boulder City Council and the local media. It is BIBA's niche to draw the customer and local businesses closer to the values of the alliance in order to persuade policy changes in the local government.

Are there other organizations like this elsewhere?
While there are initiatives with overlapping goals, such as community currency programs and local credit unions, BIBA is the first independent business alliance in the nation. BIBA has sparked great interest from other communities. Six independent business alliances have formed since our start in 1997 and we are still assisting communities seeking to employ our model. Jeff Milchen and Jennifer Rockne, original founders of BIBA, have also founded the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA). Both alliances share a common vision and pooled resources. (Information on AMIBA online at www.AMIBA.net)

How does BIBA differ from the typical Chamber of Commerce?
Most chambers are mainstream business associations that do not actively promote locally owned independent businesses. Chambers do not promote group purchasing nor do they solely rely on membership donations for their primary source of revenue. BIBA is an alliance that allows specifically locally owned independent businesses to thrive. The BIBA advantages are the energy and creativity of other independents, reaching out to community supporters, and instilling a sense of pride in shopping locally and independently in Boulder County.

BIBA is a nonprofit organization, funded entirely by annual dues of member businesses and community contributors. Please see BIBA rates for membership fees.