BNI® Mid-Year Report: Global Network Surges as Businesses Prioritize Quality Referrals

As unemployment ebbs and economic uncertainty grows, the global business networking organization has already reported over $12 billion USD in revenue for its Members through BNI referrals this year

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BNI^® (Business Network International) - the world's largest business referral network, records more than $12.8 billion USD Member-generated revenue through more than 8.7 million referrals from Chapter Members in the first half of the year.¹ Over the past 12 months, BNI Members have generated a record-breaking $26.4 billion USD in revenue from more than 17.4 million referrals.² These results highlight the global economic impact of trust-based networking among entrepreneurs. The continued success of BNI lies in its ability to help professionals build trusted relationships, grow their businesses, and strengthen their leadership skills within a supportive, structured environment.

With more than 11,400 Chapters across 76 countries, BNI's model empowers Members to leverage the power of collaboration and to thrive, even in times of uncertainty. In 2025 so far, more than 500,000 visitors attended BNI meetings globally to learn about networking and how to transform their business and leadership. These results show that professionals are turning to structured, values-based networking as a strategic path to financial independence and leadership development. This drive for success fueled BNI's growth, leading to the addition of more than 7,200 new Members and the launch of 108 new Chapters by the end of Q2.

"After more than 40 years in business, BNI continues to grow. Our Members know that the commitment of their time and a dedication to giving first is the key to seeing positive results for their business. Those who understand that our value of Givers Gain^® is not only a great way to get business but also the best way to do business are the ones who thrive in BNI" said Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI. "Year-over-year, BNI reaches new milestones, as small business owners actualize their dreams through the power of networking and referrals. I'm confident the rest of 2025 will continue to be significant for the growth of our organization and in the communities our Members serve worldwide."

This year, BNI took steps to expand its U.S. footprint, remapping its franchise territories to meet increased demand from small business owners. Following the update, BNI signed its first new franchise agreement in over 10 years for the freshly mapped West Texas region, marking a major step forward in bringing more business to professionals in emerging markets. The agreement will allow for new BNI Chapters to open in this territory over the next 5 years and beyond.

In July 2025 alone, BNI Members passed over 1.6 million referrals in a single month, resulting in more than $2.3 billion USD in revenue generated between small business owners³. BNI Members are showing up, connecting and sharing referrals, resources, and business insights that change their lives and their businesses. Through BNI, there is certainty and security for small businesses as Members connect with like-minded professionals who value relationships and success for one another. Through Member referrals in the United States, small business owners received an average of $62,459 USD⁴ in closed business. Via BNI membership, BNI Members often see an ROI for their business more quickly, consistently and greater than when operating alone. This demonstrates the power of intentional networking to generate real, measurable growth for small businesses.

Visit a local BNI^Ⓡ Chapter near you or contact [email protected] to learn about our open franchise opportunities. Read more about BNI^Ⓡ by visiting our website here.

About BNI^®
BNI^® (Business Network International) is the world's largest and most successful business networking organization. Today, BNI has over 340,000 Member-businesses participating in over 11,400 BNI Chapters that meet in-person, online, or in a hybrid format each week in 76 countries around the globe. Since inception in 1985, BNI has proudly helped 2.28 million businesses generate a collective $228 billion USD in revenue⁵. To learn more about BNI and how you can visit a Chapter, go to www.bni.com.

1. This information is based on historical BNI Member self-reported data as of July 7, 2025, and represents collective results from BNI Members worldwide from January 1, 2025-June 30, 2025. Errors in the self-reporting of data or in subsequent analysis are possible. Therefore, the information herein should only be viewed as representative in nature.
2.This information is based on historical BNI Member self-reported data as of August 6, 2025, and represents collective results from BNI Members worldwide from August 1, 2024-July 30, 2025. Errors in the self-reporting of data or in subsequent analysis are possible. Therefore, the information herein should only be viewed as representative in nature.
3. This information is based on internal BNI research that includes historical BNI Member self-reported data for the month of July 2025 and represents collective results from BNI Members worldwide from August 1, 2025, to July 30, 2025. Errors in the self-reporting of data or in subsequent analysis are possible. Therefore, the information herein should only be viewed as representative in nature.
4. This data is based on internal BNI research and self-reported closed business from U.S. Members between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The average is calculated by dividing total closed business by the average number of Members during that period (start plus end of period, divided by two). Errors in the self-reporting of data or in subsequent analysis are possible. Therefore, the information herein should only be viewed as representative in nature.
5. The information is based on BNI Member self-reported data as of July 7, 2025, and represents the collective results from BNI Members worldwide since its inception January 8, 1985. Errors in the self-reporting data or in subsequent analysis are possible. Therefore, the information herein should only be viewed as a representative nature.

SOURCE BNI