There are various professional associations in North America especially dedicated to business brokers. These associations provide a variety of services to their members mostly centred around networking, broker education, government lobbying, broker certification and conferences arrangement in addition to many other services. I am personally a member of the following organisations:
International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): This is the largest and the most internationally renown business brokers association. I have personally attended the last conference in Reno Nevada 18-21 Nov 2009. I was very impressed by the high quality of workshops. Instructors are chosen among the most successful brokers in North America to share their experiences, philosophies, processes and systems with other brokers. The cost charged for membership is very reasonable and the benefits offered to members by far outweigh the cost.
M&A Source: This is the largest organisation for middle market business intermediaries. Middle market businesses have values of $1M and more. Because of their larger size, these businesses generally require more sophisticated knowledge in Finance and Strategy. This association offers the Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) certification.
Institute of Certified Business Counselors: This is a much smaller association but requires that its members be also members of IBBA. Its smaller size makes networking among its member much easier. Members adhere to the Bylaws and Code of Ethics of the Institute. This association offers the Certified Business Counselors (CBC) designation.
