Wichita Independent Business Association

What Wichita Independent Business Association does

Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) is a private, member-funded business association founded in 1931 and headquartered at 423 E. Douglas in downtown Wichita, Kansas. The organization serves as a trade and networking association for independent small and medium businesses in the Wichita MSA, with 11-50 staff operating a portfolio of recurring programs and events including Monthly Luncheons (200+ attendees), Women's Luncheons (125-150+), Business Academy (8-month cohort with Wichita State University's Barton School of Business), Business Forward mastermind, Startup PLUS Community, WIBA Women: Level Up, Simply Social mixers, Coffee & Conversation breakfasts, C-Suite Business Roundtables, the annual Golf Classic, and the Non-Profit Expo. Member services include a directory, Member-to-Member Deals, and a mobile app.

WIBA operates on a hybrid revenue model combining tiered annual membership dues ($100 retired to $1,000 for 51-100 employee businesses, with $250 for non-profits and $350-$650 for smaller tiers), pay-as-you-go event registration ($25-$50 for monthly events, $75 golf workshops, $250-$1,000 Golf Classic), corporate sponsorships ($100 welcome to $5,000 signature-event tiers), and Business Academy tuition ($2,000 per cohort or $250/month). The technology backbone is a third-party association management platform (GrowthZone) handling member management, event registration, billing, and communications, complemented by a website, member portal, mobile app, and five social channels (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube).

Go-to-market is event-driven and referral-led: prospective members are encouraged to attend up to two core events at no cost before committing to membership, and acquisition relies on direct outreach, community events, and member referrals. Customer segments span SMBs (1-100 employees), 501(c)(3) non-profits, women business leaders, startups, and retired individuals, with the primary segment being independent SMBs in Wichita. WIBA is governed by a Board of Directors, sustained entirely by membership fees and sponsorships, and operates with no disclosed venture, private equity, or parent-company ownership.

Name

Wichita Independent Business Association

Legal name

Wichita Independent Business Association

Website

https://wiba.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1931

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Wichita Independent Business Association is a 1931-founded, member-funded business association serving independent small and medium businesses in the Wichita, Kansas MSA through tiered annual memberships, networking events (Monthly Luncheons drawing 200+), signature programs (Business Academy, Business Forward, WIBA Women: Level Up, Startup PLUS), and corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Wichita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees charged on a tiered basis depending on company size. Regular membership ranges from $350-$1000 annually based on employee count. Non-profit membership is $250/year and individual retired membership is $100/year. Membership includes all employees of the member organization and provides access to directory listing, educational events, and member programs.
2. Event Registration Fees: Revenue generated from paid event attendance including Monthly Luncheons ($25 members, $50 non-members), Women's Luncheons ($25 members, $50 non-members), Golf Workshops ($75/session), and Golf Classic (Team $1,000, Single $250).
3. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship opportunities ranging from Welcome Sponsorships ($100) to Signature Event Sponsorships ($500-$5,000), Monthly Marketing Partner ($500), Newsletter Sponsorship ($250), and various event-specific sponsorships.
4. Business Academy Program: Eight-month professional development program in partnership with Wichita State University's Barton School of Business. Enrollment is $2,000 total or $250/month for the cohort-based program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Wichita Independent Business Association (WIBA) is a membership-based business association that provides networking events, professional development programs, and advocacy services to independent businesses in the Wichita, Kansas metropolitan area. Members pay tiered annual dues (ranging from $100 for retired individuals to $1,000 for 51-100 employee businesses) and receive access to 40+ annual events, an online member directory, the Business Academy program in partnership with Wichita State University, and dedicated programs for women business leaders, startups, and C-suite executives. Revenue is supplemented by event registration fees, corporate sponsorships, and tuition-based leadership programs.

Product overview

WIBA operates as a business membership organization offering a portfolio of professional development programs and networking events. The core programs include Business Academy (8-month cohort with Wichita State University partnership), Business Forward (mastermind/leadership program), Startup PLUS Community, and WIBA Women: Level Up. The event portfolio consists of recurring networking events (Monthly Luncheons, Women's Luncheons, Coffee & Conversation, Simply Social mixers) and signature annual events (Golf Classic, Non-Profit Expo, Wind Surge Night). Member services include an online directory, mobile app, and various sponsorship tiers. Membership pricing scales by company size from $350-$1,000 annually for regular business membership, with separate non-profit and retired options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Business Academy: Eight-month professional development program for business owners and professionals in partnership with Wichita State University's Barton School of Business
• Business Forward
• Startup PLUS Community
• WIBA Women: Level Up

Products and services

• Business Academy An eight-month professional development program designed for business owners and professionals, delivered in partnership with Wichita State University's Barton School of Business, covering core business principles and practical skills. Tuition is $2,000 total or $250/month.
• Business Forward A mastermind program for business growth and leadership development featuring mastermind sessions for current participants and approved sponsors, addressing challenges related to leadership, finance, operations, legal considerations, and scaling.
• Startup PLUS Community A startup-focused community program providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses in the Wichita area.
• WIBA Women: Level Up A women's professional development initiative with seminars and networking events for female business owners, executives, and professionals.
• Membership Programs Tiered annual membership structure based on company size: 1-5 employees ($350/year), 6-15 employees ($500/year), 16-50 employees ($650/year), 51-100 employees ($1,000/year), plus Non-Profit ($250/year) and Retired ($100/year) options. Includes directory listing, member event pricing, educational seminars, and access to opt-in programs.
• Monthly Luncheon Core monthly networking event held on the second Tuesday featuring speakers on business growth, leadership, and community topics, averaging 200+ attendees. $25 for members, $50 for non-members.
• Women's Luncheon Monthly women's networking event held on the first Tuesday with speakers focused on leadership and professional development, averaging 125+ guests. $25 for members, $50 for non-members.
• WIBA Golf Classic Annual golf tournament bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners for a full day of golf and networking. Team registration $1,000 (four players), single player $250, hole sponsorship $350.
• Non-Profit Expo Annual expo during Community Impact Month showcasing WIBA non-profit members with spotlight sessions and interactive programming.
• Sponsorship Packages Various sponsorship opportunities including monthly marketing partner ($500), newsletter sponsorship ($250), event promotion ($150), Welcome Sponsorships ($100), and signature event sponsorships ($500-$5,000) for Founder's Day, Golf Classic, Wind Surge Night, Women's Golf Classic, and Winter Wonderland.

Quantifiable outcome

• 200+ business leaders connected monthly at core events
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Wichita State University Barton School of BusinesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for the WIBA Business Academy program. The eight-month professional development program is delivered in partnership with Wichita State University's Barton School of Business, combining academic rigor with real-world business experience. Local business leaders serve as supporting faculty and mentors.
• Davis-Moore Auto GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Impact Month sponsor for the Non-Profit Expo 2026. Davis-Moore Auto Group serves as the Community Impact Month sponsor, supporting WIBA's non-profit member engagement initiatives.
• Meritrust Credit UnionsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for the Non-Profit Expo 2026. Meritrust Credit Union supports WIBA's community impact programming as the presenting sponsor.
• NetabilitysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for the 6th Annual WIBA Golf Classic Special Edition event.
• Crestview Country ClubsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for the 6th Annual WIBA Golf Classic. The tournament is held at Crestview Country Club, marking the first time WIBA has held its golf event at this venue located at 1000 N 127th Street East, Wichita.
• Ninth Floor Club + VenuesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPrimary venue partner for WIBA Monthly Luncheons, Women's Luncheons, and C-Suite Business Roundtables. Located at 100 N Broadway St., Suite 900, Wichita, KS 67202. Hosts 200+ attendees for monthly core events.
• Crestview Country ClubsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor and venue partner for WIBA Women's Luncheons, supporting the women's programming initiative.
• Emprise BanksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for WIBA Women's programming and Women's Luncheons.
• Scouting America, Quivira CouncilsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for WIBA Women's programming. WIBA member organization hosting ribbon-cutting ceremony for Keeper Unveiling at 3247 N. Oliver Ave, Wichita, KS 67220.
• ESPN WichitasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerParty Porch sponsor for the WIBA Golf Classic, providing radio/media coverage for the event.
• Kansas Secured TitlesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the WIBA Golf Classic Party Porch.
• Kansas Star Event CentersupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the WIBA Golf Classic Party Porch.
• Miracle SignssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the WIBA Golf Classic Party Porch.
• TGC Group (Home2, TownePlace, La Quinta)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the WIBA Golf Classic Party Porch.
• ICT Insurance GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage Cart sponsor for the WIBA Golf Classic.
• StewardRightsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the WIBA Golf Classic.
• IdeateksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAwards sponsor for the WIBA Golf Classic.
• Lee Media GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Media Partner for the WIBA Golf Classic.
• Burnell's Fine JewelrysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPutting Contest sponsor for the WIBA Golf Classic.
• US LogosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerWelcome sponsor for the June Monthly Luncheon featuring Sheriff Jeff Easter and Chief Joe Sullivan.
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of KansassupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the June Monthly Luncheon and associated with the Wichita Open event.
• Wichita Metro Crime CommissionsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the June Monthly Luncheon focusing on community wellness and public safety.
• Morrow & Co., LLC, CPAssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerOverall sponsor for the 9 & Wine Women's Golf Workshop series.
• Auburn Wine and SpiritssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor for the 9 & Wine Women's Golf Workshop series, led by Dawn Verboom.
• Worldwide Beverage GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor for the 9 & Wine Women's Golf Workshop series.
• Rolling Hills Country ClubsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for the 9 & Wine Women's Golf Workshops. Located at 223 South Westlink Dr, Wichita, KS 67209. Provides golf instruction facilities and clubhouse for the workshop series.
• Cordell Wealth ManagementsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the 9 & Wine Women's Golf Workshop series.
• Quivira Council, Scouting AmericasupportingOthersWIBA member hosting ribbon-cutting ceremony for Keeper Unveiling at their facility, 3247 N. Oliver Ave, Wichita, KS 67220. Event includes remarks by Mayor Wu, Quivira Council CEO, Board Chairman, and Fr. Bernie Gorges.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO): A global membership organization for entrepreneurs offering peer groups, learning events, and accelerator programs. Comparable in targeting business owners with cohort-based peer learning and signature events.
• Vistage Worldwide: A peer advisory and executive coaching organization for SMB CEOs and business leaders. Comparable to WIBA's Business Forward mastermind and C-Suite Roundtable offerings for senior business leaders.
• BNI (Business Network International): A global business networking organization with local chapters that facilitate referrals and connections among business owners. Directly comparable to WIBA in delivering structured peer networking and member-to-member business opportunities.
• Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce: The most direct local competitor and peer organization in Wichita. Serves overlapping member segments with networking events, advocacy, and educational programming in the same Wichita market.

Regional players

• Overland Park Chamber of Commerce: A neighboring Kansas metro chamber serving the Overland Park and Johnson County area. Comparable as a local chamber of commerce with membership dues, events, and advocacy, but operating in a different Kansas City-area market.
• Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce: A larger regional chamber serving the Kansas City metro area. Comparable in offering tiered membership, signature events, and advocacy, but at a significantly larger metropolitan scale than Wichita.

Broad incumbents

• SCORE: A national nonprofit providing mentoring, education, and resources to small businesses. Comparable to WIBA's Startup PLUS Community and Business Academy programs in serving SMB education and networking needs.
• National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): A large national association representing small and independent businesses across the U.S. Comparable in mission — advocacy and resources for independent businesses — but operates at national scale rather than a single local market.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce: The largest business association in the United States, advocating for businesses of all sizes. Comparable as a business membership and advocacy organization, but vastly larger in scope and resources.

Emerging players

• Main Street America: A nonprofit focused on small-business and downtown district revitalization through local programs. Comparable in supporting independent and small businesses at the community level, with an overlapping member-advocacy and event-driven model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wichitabusiness
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIYhunm69cUd0qKvINdtAWw
• Facebookfacebook.com/WichitaBusiness
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3108269
• Instagraminstagram.com/wichita_business

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wichita Independent Business Association