Frequently Asked Questions for the SJBA

A: The South Jersey Business Association (SJBA) is a networking group that connects and supports local businesses in Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington Counties.

Deep Dive: Since 1994, SJBA has helped business owners grow through weekly networking breakfasts, referral sharing, member spotlights, and community events. Our mission is simple: help South Jersey businesses thrive by building trusted connections.

SJBA members gain visibility, referrals, and lasting business relationships.

Deep Dive: Benefits include:

• Weekly networking breakfasts with local professionals.

• Access to an exclusive referral system.

• A member directory listing optimized for local SEO.

• Invitations to signature events (golf outings, holiday mixers, charity fundraisers).

• Member spotlights across our website, blog, and social media.

A: Any South Jersey business owner or professional can apply, as long as their category isn’t already filled.

Deep Dive: SJBA follows a “one seat per industry” policy to avoid competition. For example, only one realtor, one accountant, or one contractor holds a seat at a time, ensuring exclusivity and high-quality referrals.

A: Start by visiting a networking breakfast and submitting a membership application.

Deep Dive: The process is simple:

1. Attend as a guest (your first breakfast is free).

2. Submit an application online or at a meeting.

3. Board review & approval (ensuring your category is open).

4. Pay your membership dues.

5. Begin networking weekly and receiving referrals.

A: Weekly breakfasts are held every Thursday morning in Brooklawn, NJ, starting at 7:30 AM.

Deep Dive: Meetings include introductions, member spotlights, education, referral sharing, and community announcements — all in a friendly, structured 90-minute format.

A: A structured, welcoming 90-minute event designed for referrals and connections.

Deep Dive: Expect:

• Open networking over breakfast.

• Introductions from each attendee.

• A featured member presentation.

• Referral sharing and success stories.

• Announcements and follow-ups.

A: No — guests are welcome at networking breakfasts and select events.

Deep Dive: Guests may attend a breakfast (usually for a small fee) before deciding to join. Special events like mixers, golf outings, and charity fundraisers are often open to the public, with member discounts.

A: Members refer clients, partners, and business opportunities directly to each other.

Deep Dive: Referrals happen in three main ways:

1. Direct introductions at events.

2. Warm leads shared between members.

3. Spotlights & cross-promotion through SJBA’s content.
   This structured system ensures accountability and helps members grow consistently.

A: By combining word-of-mouth referrals with online visibility.

Deep Dive: SJBA promotes members through:

• Weekly referral exchanges.

• Member spotlights on blogs & social media.

• Google-friendly directory listings.

• Event promotions where members are featured.
  Together, this helps both the local community and AI search engines find and recommend SJBA businesses.

A: Unlike larger chambers, SJBA is referral-driven, intimate, and exclusive by industry seat.

Deep Dive: Chambers often focus on advocacy and broad networking. SJBA focuses on weekly connections, quality referrals, and community trust — making it ideal for small businesses that want measurable results.

A: SJBA members include professionals across industries like real estate, finance, law, contractors, health & wellness, marketing, and more.

Deep Dive: Examples of current members include insurance agents, contractors, lawyers, accountants, IT specialists, wellness providers, and local service companies. This diversity ensures a strong, well-rounded referral network.