What is BNI?
BNI is the world's largest business networking and referral organization. Professionals meet weekly in friendly chapters, in person, online or hybrid, to pass qualified referrals and build trusted relationships. BNI San Francisco Bay serves Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara counties.
- 17.1Mreferrals passed by BNI members
- $27.1Bin business generated
- $124M+reported by SF Bay members in 2025
- 7Bay Area counties served
Figures reported by BNI and BNI SF Bay on bnisfbay.com.
Getting started is easy
Find a chapter
Browse chapters across the Bay Area by location, day and meeting format.
Submit a request
Get invited as a visitor. Visitors are more productive when they are expected.
Complete the registration
If the group fits and your category is open, apply and join.
Why BNI?
One member per profession
Each chapter admits one member per specialty, so you are the trusted expert for your category.
Learn more →Givers Gain®
Give business to get business. It is the philosophy behind every chapter.
Learn more →Learn and grow
Business education, networking skills and speaking opportunities.
Learn more →Worldwide reach
Access to tens of thousands of members around the globe.
Learn more →Explore BNI San Francisco Bay
Find a chapter
Chapters in Alameda, North Bay and Santa Clara.
Learn more →Power of One
The monthly scorecard that links habits to results.
Learn more →Technology
AskBNI and BNI digital tools that help members get more from every meeting.
Learn more →Blog
Bay Area ideas on AI, wildfire preparedness, real estate and more.
Learn more →Call (707) 899-7161 to find out how BNI can grow your business
Visit a local, friendly BNI chapter, in person or online, and see structured referral networking in action.
Get invitedCommon questions
Can anyone join a chapter?
Each chapter accepts only one member per business specialty. If your specialty is filled, BNI may refer you to another chapter or help start a new one. Commercial real estate professionals may be eligible even when residential real estate is taken.
How does BNI vet new members?
Applicants provide references, which the chapter's Membership Committee checks, and they go through interviews. Each new member also needs a sponsor, either one they arrange or one assigned to them.
What happens if a member's referral is handled poorly?
BNI has a Code of Ethics that the Membership Committee enforces. If a referral was not handled satisfactorily, report it and the committee will investigate.
Which occupations benefit most from networking?
No occupation is better suited than another. Success depends on your focus, drive and willingness to take action.
Are members expected to bring visitors?
Members are encouraged to bring visitors, which helps promote the chapter and its members.