SME Membership

Business owners, corporate leaders, professionals, founders, investors, exporters and importers can join in a personal capacity. Companies, start-ups, universities, colleges, chambers, associations and public bodies can join as organisations.

Each category has its own published eligibility criteria. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission, because every application is assessed on its merits by the Membership Committee.

Complete the online application on the Apply for Membership page. It is free to submit.

You will be asked for your professional or business details, your membership category, your reasons for joining and supporting documents where the category requires them. You will receive an acknowledgement with a reference number, and the Membership Committee will then assess the application.

Applications are assessed by the Membership Committee against the published criteria for the chosen category, and a decision is issued within [Insert number] working days.

The Committee looks at eligibility, the accuracy of the information supplied, and the applicant's standing in their field. It may request additional information. If an application is approved, the applicant is invited to pay the membership fee; membership is activated once payment is received. Fees are not taken before a decision.

Membership provides access to the international member network, member rates or complimentary places at Council events, structured mentoring, trade and investment advisory support, participation in committees and industry forums, and a listing in the member directory.

Benefits vary by category. The Membership Benefits page sets out what each category includes.