Small Business Diversity Network

What Small Business Diversity Network does

Small Business Diversity Network, operating as XBN – The (X)Business Network, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at 3349 Michelson Dr. #200 F5 in Irvine, California. Founded in 2023, the organization functions as a regional business network connecting small businesses to opportunities, partnerships, and resources through a coordinated ecosystem of Resource(X) and Community(X) Partners. These partners include chambers of commerce, municipalities, public agencies, federal organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private enterprises collaborating across sectors to drive inclusive regional economic growth in Southern California.

The organization's core offerings span four areas: the XBN Resource Navigator (a coordinated partner ecosystem delivering access to capital, marketing, certification, procurement, and workforce development support), XBN Events & Networking Programs (a recurring event series including the Summer Sizzle Expo Extravaganza, Business and Breakfast, South County Mixer, Small Business Resource Conference, and annual X Awards), the XBN Directory (a web-based business directory at xbn.info), and Education & Training Programs. XBN does not operate proprietary technology; its value is delivered through in-person and partner-mediated coordination, supplemented by the website and directory. The organization has no mobile app, no public API, and no disclosed technology integrations.

XBN's revenue model rests on three streams: tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations; event-related revenue from registrations, sponsorships, and attendance fees; and membership fees (the "Join XBN" call-to-action is prominently featured on the website). The organization employs approximately 5 staff per firmographic data, with an extended team of roughly 10–12 individuals visible on the website, and serves a regional Southern California market. The organization rebranded from Small Business Diversity Network to XBN – The (X)Business Network, broadening its stated mandate from supporting diverse small businesses to uniting the full spectrum of business communities driving regional economic growth.

Name

Small Business Diversity Network

Legal name

XBN | (X)Business Network

Website

https://sbdn.info

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Small Business Diversity Network, operating as XBN, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting Southern California small businesses to opportunities, partners, and resources through an ecosystem of chambers, government agencies, educational institutions, and private enterprises, supported by events and a directory.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Irvine

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, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, XBN accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support its mission of inclusive regional economic growth.
2. Event Revenue: Revenue generated from event registrations, sponsorship, and attendance fees for events including the annual X Awards, conferences, networking sessions, and expo extravaganzas.
3. Membership Fees: Revenue from membership programs including joining XBN as a member, with 'Join XBN' prominently featured as a primary call-to-action on the website.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

XBN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects small businesses to opportunities, partnerships, and resources through a coordinated ecosystem of Resource(X) Partners (public agencies, federal organizations, nonprofit institutions, and private enterprises) and Community(X) Partners (chambers of commerce, municipalities, nonprofits, corporate partners, and educational institutions). It delivers its mission via education and training, resource navigation, a business directory, and signature events such as the Summer Sizzle Expo Extravaganza, Business and Breakfast, South County Mixer, Small Business Resource Conference, and the X Awards.

Product overview

XBN – The (X)Business Network is a non-profit organization operating as a unified platform connecting businesses of all sizes to opportunities, partnerships, and resources that drive inclusive regional economic growth. The organization functions as a single integrated ecosystem comprising four core offerings: the XBN Resource Navigator (a coordinated partner ecosystem delivering essential tools, expertise, and services for business development), XBN Events & Networking Programs (organized events facilitating connections and knowledge exchange), the XBN Directory (a business directory enabling partnerships across industries), and Education & Training Programs (skill development and capacity building services). These offerings work together to support small businesses through community organizations, chambers of commerce, government agencies, and private enterprises collaborating across all sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• XBN Resource Navigator A coordinated partner ecosystem that connects small businesses to Resource(X) Partners (public agencies, federal organizations, nonprofit institutions, and private enterprises) providing expertise, tools, and services across access to capital, marketing, certification, procurement, and workforce development.
• XBN Events & Networking Programs Organized events including collaboration events, networking sessions, mixers, conferences, and annual awards that facilitate connections and knowledge exchange among businesses across all sectors.
• XBN Directory A business directory connecting businesses of all sizes, industries, and sectors to exchange knowledge, access opportunities, and build lasting partnerships within the regional business ecosystem.
• XBN Education & Training Programs Educational programs and training services that empower small businesses through skill development, knowledge sharing, and capacity building within the XBN collaborative ecosystem.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Resource(X) PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResource Partners provide the expertise, tools, and services businesses need at every stage from startup to scale. These partners include public agencies, federal organizations, nonprofit institutions, and private enterprises offering support across access to capital, marketing, certification, procurement, and workforce development. Together, they form a powerful network designed to help businesses navigate complexity, seize opportunity, and grow with confidence.
• Community(X) PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partners strengthen the relationships that make business growth possible. XBN works alongside chambers of commerce, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, corporate partners, and educational institutions to cultivate a connected, collaborative business community. These partnerships create access to shared knowledge, trusted relationships, and opportunities that businesses would not reach on their own.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): A federally funded nationwide network of centers providing no-cost business consulting and training to entrepreneurs. SBDCs are comparable to XBN as they serve the same SMB customer base with similar resource-navigation and education services, but with deep institutional backing and broader geographic reach.
• NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners): A national membership organization supporting women-owned businesses through networking, education, and advocacy. Comparable to XBN as a membership-driven nonprofit business association focused on inclusive economic growth, with chapters operating at regional and local levels.
• National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): A national small-business advocacy and membership organization providing lobbying, resources, and networking. Comparable to XBN as it serves the same SMB segment with a membership model focused on advocacy, education, and access to opportunities — but at national scale.
• SCORE: A national nonprofit supported by the SBA providing mentorship, education, and resources to small businesses. SCORE is comparable to XBN because it operates the same nonprofit business-support model — connecting SMBs to mentors, training, and tools — but at much greater national scale and brand recognition.
• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses: A philanthropy-driven program offering education, capital access, and networking to small businesses. Comparable to XBN for its nonprofit-funded model of bundling education, training, and resource navigation for SMBs, though at much larger scale and tied to a major corporate sponsor.

Regional players

• Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce: A local chamber of commerce serving Irvine and the broader Orange County business community. Directly comparable as both a regional membership-based business association operating in XBN's home geography, offering networking events, advocacy, and member services to SMBs and corporate partners.
• Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County: A regional minority-focused chamber of commerce serving Orange County, California. Comparable to XBN as a nonprofit community-business organization that supports diverse small businesses through advocacy, partnerships, and resource navigation within a Southern California geography.

Emerging players

• Startup Grind: A global startup community and event-driven network that supports entrepreneurs through chapters, conferences, and programming. Comparable to XBN as an event-led, community-driven organization focused on connecting entrepreneurs to resources, mentorship, and opportunities — though Startup Grind is more startup-stage focused.
• Local First (Local First coalition): A community of locally owned independent businesses and allies that promotes local economic development. Comparable to XBN as a nonprofit-driven network supporting SMBs through community partnerships, events, and advocacy — operating as a regional/local membership organization with a similar mission.

Others

• B Lab (B Corporation): A nonprofit network certifying and supporting businesses that meet social and environmental performance standards. Comparable to XBN as a mission-driven nonprofit that builds a community of businesses around an inclusive economic-growth frame, though B Lab's core product is certification rather than local resource coordination.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/xbncommunity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/small-business-diversity-network

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

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 Small Business Diversity Network