Business Communities: Types and Examples

In today’s increasingly competitive business world, having a great product or service is no longer enough. Entrepreneurs are now expected to keep learning, building networks, and growing together. This is where the role of business communities becomes essential. A business community is not just a place where entrepreneurs gather—it’s also a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and collaboration opportunities.

This article will give you a complete overview of what a business community is, the different types that exist, and some examples you can join. Let’s dive in!

Definition of a Business Community

According to Venteny, a business community is a group of individuals who share similar interests or goals in the world of business.

They may come from the same or different industries, but they share a common spirit of mutual support, knowledge sharing, and strengthening the business ecosystem.

These communities can operate on a local, national, or even international scale, depending on the scope of their members’ businesses.

Joining a business community offers many benefits—from expanding your network and gaining new insights to unlocking opportunities for strategic collaboration.

Types of Business Communities

Today, there are various types of business communities you can join, depending on your needs and goals. Below are some common types of business communities:

1. Industry-based Community

This type of community brings together business players from the same industry or sector—such as F&B, technology, healthcare, finance, or manufacturing. The main goal is to share challenges, opportunities, and best practices within the same field.

Examples:

• Indonesian Café and Restaurant Entrepreneurs Association (APKRINDO) Connects café and restaurant owners across Indonesia to share experiences and support the growth of the local culinary industry.

  
  

• Indonesian Fintech Association (AFTECH) Unites fintech companies in Indonesia to promote the development of financial technology.

  
  

• StartupLokal A community of entrepreneurs and professionals focused on growing and developing startup businesses.

  
  

2. Geographic-based Communities

These communities are formed based on specific geographic areas and usually focus on supporting local business development. Such communities are often facilitated by local chambers of commerce or regional business incubators.

The benefits of joining a geographic-based community include the opportunity to collaborate with neighboring businesses, gain access to government support programs, and directly contribute to the growth of the local economy.

Examples:

• SMESCO Indonesia Supports Indonesian MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in developing and growing their local businesses.

  
  

• Philly Startup Leaders (PSL) – Indonesia Chapter Aims to support and accelerate startup growth through collaboration and international networking.

  
  

• Bandung Digital Valley (BDV) Focused on helping local startups and innovators in Bandung grow and collaborate within a thriving digital ecosystem.

  
  

3. Online-based Community

With the rise of remote work and digital business models, online communities have become increasingly popular. These communities allow you to connect with professionals from around the world without geographical limitations. Some are hosted on platforms like LinkedIn, while others are more private, using tools such as Slack or Discord. These communities are ideal for sharing insights, engaging in deep discussions, and even collaborating across borders.

Examples:

• LabamuHub A community where MSME owners, young entrepreneurs, and startups gather to go digital and international by building business networks and collaborations.

  
  

• LinkedIn Group – Digital Marketing Institute A hub for digital marketing professionals to share trends, strategies, and job opportunities through active discussions on LinkedIn.

  
  

• ProBlogger Community A global community for bloggers and content creators focused on improving writing skills, blog monetization, and exploring collaboration opportunities.

  
  

4. Professional Development Communities

These communities focus more on individual growth—both in career and professional skills. They typically offer mentorship programs, leadership training, and support from fellow members to help personal development. This type of community is ideal if you want to sharpen new skills or gain inspiration from more experienced professionals.

Examples:

• Toastmasters International A global community dedicated to developing public speaking and leadership skills.

  
  

• Minutes of Manager A community for managers and young professionals to learn, collaborate, connect, and grow together.

  
  

• Tangan di Atas (TDA) An Indonesian entrepreneurial community aimed at encouraging personal and business development through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual inspiration.

5. Mission-driven Communities

These communities are formed by business people who share a social vision or certain values. Their focus is not just on business profit, but also on social impact, environmental sustainability, or other meaningful causes. Typically, they consist of entrepreneurs passionate about creating positive change through their ventures.

Examples:

• Social Enterprise Indonesia (SEI) A community of entrepreneurs committed to creating positive social impact, such as alleviating poverty, improving education, and generating employment opportunities.

  
  

• Indonesia Green Business Network (IGBN) A network involving businesses, government, and individuals dedicated to running businesses based on sustainability principles and adopting environmentally friendly technologies.

  
  

• Komunitas Pengusaha Muslim Indonesia (KPMI)

  A platform for Muslim entrepreneurs to conduct business according to Sharia principles and Islamic beliefs.

6. Identity-based Community

These communities are formed based on certain identities, such as gender, disability, or socio-cultural backgrounds. Their goal is to create a safe, supportive, and empowering space where members can grow professionally and personally in the business world. They also advocate for equal access and fair representation in the business arena.

Examples:

• Ikatan Wanita Pengusaha Indonesia (IWAPI) An organization that supports and develops the capacities of women entrepreneurs throughout Indonesia.

  
  

• ThisAble Enterprise Led by and for people with disabilities to help them achieve economic independence.

  
  

• Sahabat UMKM An inclusive community that assists business actors from various backgrounds—including women, the elderly, and former migrant workers—to advance their businesses through training and mentoring.

  
  

7. Interest-based Community

This community is formed because its members share the same interests or passion, not just based on industry or profession. The focus can be on innovation, technology, green business, digital entrepreneurship, or specific topics such as sustainability, AI, or the creative economy. Communities like this are usually very dynamic, collaborative, and often become the birthplace of disruptive new ideas.

Examples:

• Indonesia Creative Cities Network (ICCN): A cross-city and district community that promotes the growth of local creative economies.

  
  

• Climate Reality Indonesia: A community connecting business actors, activists, and professionals interested in climate change issues and sustainable business.

  
  

• Startup Weekend Indonesia: An event-based community for startup and tech enthusiasts who want to turn ideas into business prototypes in just 54 hours.

  
  

Joining a business community is not only about expanding your network, but also opening new opportunities, gaining insights from others’ experiences, and accelerating your business growth.

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