Business Network International (BNI) is a global business networking and referral organization founded in 2014 by Dr. Ivan Misner in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, BNI has grown into the world’s largest referral-marketing network, serving over 340,000 members across more than 11,300 chapters in more than 75 countries.

BNI began franchising internationally in 2019. Since then, the organization has expanded into the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, and Latin America, supported by regional offices that provide local guidance and training to franchisees.

BNI offers structured, weekly chapter meetings where one member per profession shares referrals and builds trust-based business relationships. Its services include peer-to-peer networking, business education, leadership development, and digital tools such as BNI Connect®, designed to help members generate business more effectively.

What sets BNI apart is its exclusive membership model and core philosophy of “Givers Gain®.” Each chapter allows only one representative per profession, removing internal competition and boosting referral quality.

Training

BNI provides a structured and multi-tiered training program for its franchisees to ensure successful operations of its networking referral groups. The training is designed for different roles within the franchise system. The following are the main components of BNI’s training:

1. Executive Director Training: This is a mandatory training session for key franchise operators, priced at $1,800 per individual. It covers the operational and strategic components of managing BNI chapters and maintaining system standards.
2. Support Director Consultant Orientation: This orientation is designed for individuals who will be supporting chapter operations, with a cost of $900 per person. It includes instruction on BNI's programs and tools essential for consultant support roles.
3. Member Success Program Facilitator Orientation: Also priced at $900 per person, this training targets those who will lead the Member Success Program, ensuring members understand and effectively use the BNI referral system.

Territory Protection

BNI grants each franchisee a designated territory, which is typically defined by zip codes and must contain a population of at least 250,000 people unless otherwise determined by the franchisor. This territory is intended to be the exclusive area where the franchisee can operate BNI chapters.

However, the final definition and approval of the territory are at the sole discretion of BNI. While the territory is clearly outlined, BNI reserves some flexibility in assigning and adjusting these territories.

The exclusivity generally protects the franchisee from having another BNI franchise operating within the same boundaries. That said, franchisees must still adhere strictly to the BNI system and maintain performance standards to retain the benefits associated with territorial protection.