In an increasingly competitive business world, just having a good product or service is not enough. Business actors are now required to continue learning, networking and developing together. This is where the role of the business community becomes very important. The business community is not only a gathering place for entrepreneurs, but also a place to share knowledge, experience and opportunities for collaboration.
This article will review in full what a business community is, its types, and several examples of business communities that you can join. Come on, take a look!
Definition of a Business Community
Quoting Venteny, a business community is a group of individuals who have the same interests or goals in the business world.
They can come from the same or different industries, but have a passion for supporting each other, sharing information, and strengthening the business ecosystem.
Communities like this can be local, national or even international in scale, depending on the scope of business of its members.
Joining a business community provides many benefits, from expanding your network, gaining new insights, to opening up opportunities for strategic collaboration.
Types of Business Communities
Currently, there are various types of business communities that you can join, depending on your needs and goals. The following are several types of business communities that are commonly found.
1. Industry-based Community
This community brings together business people from similar industries or sectors. For example, F&B, technology, health, finance, or manufacturing. The goal is to share challenges, opportunities and best practices within the same industry.
Example:
- Association of Indonesian Cafe and Restaurant Entrepreneurs (APKRINDO) which connects cafe and restaurant entrepreneurs in Indonesia to share experiences and advance the local culinary industry.
- The Indonesian Fintech Association (AFTECH) brings together fintech companies in Indonesia to support the development of financial technology.
- StartupLokal consists of entrepreneurs and professionals who focus on developing startup businesses.
2. Geographic-based Communities
These communities are formed based on certain geographic areas and usually focus on developing local businesses. Such communities are often facilitated by local chambers of commerce or local business incubators. The advantage of joining this community is that you can collaborate with neighboring businesses, get access to government support programs, and contribute directly to local economic development.
Example:
- SMESCO Indonesia supports MSME entrepreneurs in Indonesia to develop local businesses.
- Philly Startup Leaders (PSL) Indonesian Branch which aims to support and accelerate startup growth through collaboration and international networks.
- Bandung Digital Valley (BDV) which focuses on supporting local Bandung startups and innovators to grow and collaborate.
3. Online-based Community
As remote work and digital business models continue to develop, online communities have become very popular. This community allows you to connect with professionals from all over the world without geographic restrictions. Some are platform-based like LinkedIn, there are also more private ones like groups on Slack or Discord. This community is ideal for sharing insights, in-depth discussions, and even cross-border collaboration.
Example:
- LabamuHub is a gathering place for MSME owners, young entrepreneurs and startups who want to go digital and go international to build business networks and collaboration.
- The LinkedIn Digital Marketing Institute group is a gathering place for digital marketing professionals who share trends, strategies and job opportunities through active discussions on the LinkedIn platform.
- ProBlogger Community which is a global community for bloggers and content creators that focuses on developing writing skills, blog monetization, and collaboration opportunities.
4. Professional Development Communities
This community focuses more on individual growth—both in career and professional abilities. Usually contains mentorship programs, leadership training, and support from fellow members to help self-development. This community is very suitable for those of you who want to hone new skills or get inspiration from more senior professionals.
Example:
- Toastmasters International is a global community for developing public speaking and leadership skills.
- Minutes of Manager is a community for managers and young professionals to learn, collaborate, connect and grow together.
- Hands on Top (TDA) is an Indonesian entrepreneurial community to encourage self and business development through collaboration, sharing knowledge, and the spirit of mutual inspiration.
5. Mission-driven Communities
This community was formed by business actors who have a social vision and mission or certain values. Mostly, the focus is not only on business profits, but also social, environmental or sustainability impacts. Usually consisting of entrepreneurs who have a passion for creating positive change through their business.
Example:
- Social Enterprise Indonesia (SEI) consists of entrepreneurs whose mission is to create positive social impacts, such as overcoming poverty, improving education and creating jobs.
- Indonesia Green Business Network (IGBN) which involves business actors, government and individuals who want to run business with sustainable principles and adopt environmentally friendly technology.
- The Indonesian Muslim Entrepreneurs Community (KPMI) is a forum for Muslim entrepreneurs to apply trading principles according to sharia and aqidah.
6. Identity-based Community
This community is formed based on certain identities, such as gender, disability, or socio-cultural background. The goal is to create a space that is safe, supportive, and empowers its members to grow professionally and personally in the business world. As well as fighting for equal access and fairer representation in the business world.
Example:
- The Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (IWAPI) supports and develops the capacity of women entrepreneurs throughout Indonesia.
- ThisAble Enterprise is led and aimed at people with disabilities so they can be economically independent.
- Friends of MSMEs is an inclusive community that accompanies business actors from various backgrounds, including women, the elderly and former migrant workers to advance to class through training and mentoring.
7. Interest-based Community
This community was formed because its members have the same interests or passions, not solely based on industry or profession. The focus can be around innovation, technology, green business, digital entrepreneurship, or certain topics such as sustainability, AI, or the creative economy. Usually communities like this are very dynamic, collaborative, and often the birthplace of new, disruptive ideas.
Example:
- Indonesia Creative Cities Network (ICCN): a cross-city and district community that encourages the growth of the local creative economy.
- Climate Reality Indonesia: a community that connects business people, activists and professionals who are interested in climate change issues and sustainable business.
- Startup Weekend Indonesia: an intensive event-based community for startup and technology activists who want to turn an idea into a business prototype in just 54 hours.
Joining a business community is not only to increase your network, but also to open up new opportunities, gain insight from other people’s experiences, and accelerate the growth of your business.
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