The Board of Trade

What The Board of Trade does

The Board of Trade is a non-profit business association incorporated in 1971 under the Board of Trade Act of Canada, headquartered at 100 New Gower St in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. It operates as Newfoundland and Labrador's largest business advocacy organization, representing 800+ member companies that collectively employ 10,000+ people across the province, and is a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Its primary functional offering is a tiered membership program (sized to company headcount from 1-10 to 100+ employees, plus a $50 student tier) that bundles networking events, advocacy, a member-to-member (M2M) marketplace, directory listings, advertising discounts, a weekly e-newsletter to 2,400 contacts, boardroom rentals, free Employer Advisor Services, and Certificates of Origin for exporters. The organization runs a separate tiered Corporate Partnership program (Platinum $17,500/yr, Gold $10,000/yr, Silver $5,000/yr, Bronze $2,500/yr, plus a $6,000 Patron add-on) and an annual Business Awards gala across roughly 10 categories. The technology base is a standard ChamberMaster membership management platform; there is no proprietary AI/ML or product technology stack. Revenue is generated from membership dues, corporate partnership sponsorships, event registration (including OHS Level 1/2 training, golf tournaments, State of the Province, and the awards gala), advertising placements in the e-newsletter and on the website, boardroom rentals, and transaction fees for Certificate of Origin certification. Go-to-market combines direct/inside sales membership recruitment, a 14-person volunteer Ambassador Team, an event-driven acquisition motion (mixers, conferences, awards), and word-of-mouth referrals from the existing 800+ member base, with the 'Don't Get Dieppe'd' local shopping awareness campaign supporting community visibility.

Name

The Board of Trade

Legal name

The Board of Trade

Website

https://stjohnsbot.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Board of Trade is a non-profit business association in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, serving 800+ member companies and 10,000+ employees through tiered membership, corporate partnerships, events, awards, member savings programs, and advocacy as a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Association / Chamber of Commerce Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTHAHACAA

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies)

Travel & Hospitality/MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)/Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs) & Meeting Planners

SECONDARYTHAHACAK

Sponsorship, Exhibitor & Partnership Management Services

Travel & Hospitality/MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)/Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs) & Meeting Planners

Keywords

• Business association services
• Chamber of commerce membership
• Business networking events
• Employer advisory services
• Corporate partnership sponsorships

Headquarters

HQ city

St. John's

HQ country

Canada

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 by company size (1-10 employees: $420, 11-25: $600, 26-50: $900, 51-99: $1,320, 100+: $1,800, Student: $50). All employees of member companies gain access to events, tickets, and e-news. Membership is tax deductible. Alternate monthly payment arrangements may be considered.
2. Advertising: Revenue generated from advertising placements in the weekly e-newsletter (2,400 contacts) and on the website. E-news rates: 2 weeks $500/$1,000 (member/non-member), 4 weeks $750/$1,500, 8 weeks $1,250/$2,500. Website rates: 1 week $200/$400, 4 weeks $500/$1,000, 8 weeks $1,000/$2,000. Members receive 50% discount on advertising rates.
3. Boardroom Rentals: Rental income from a modular, customizable boardroom that seats 14+ people. Rates: Member half-day $100, full-day $200; Non-member half-day $200, full-day $400. Optional coffee/tea/water service available for $50 extra. Available Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
4. Certificate of Origin Certification: Fees for certifying Certificates of Origin, commercial invoices, and visa applications for exporters. DIY service: $30+$30 HST (member), $45+$45 HST (non-member). Full Service (printing and pickup): $35+$35 HST (member), $50+$50 HST (non-member).
5. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from paid events including the annual Business Awards Gala, golf tournaments, conferences, trade shows, training sessions (OHS Level 1, OHS Level 2), and other networking events. Members receive discounted/early access pricing.
6. Corporate Partnership Sponsorships: Annual corporate partnership investments at multiple tiers: Platinum (3-year term, $17,500 + HST annually), Gold (2-year term, $10,000 + HST annually), Silver ($5,000 + HST annually), Bronze ($2,500 + HST annually), Patron advocacy add-on ($6,000 + HST annually). Partners receive visibility, engagement, and amplification opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Board of Trade is a non-profit business association that sells tiered annual memberships to businesses and students in Newfoundland and Labrador, granting access to networking events, member savings programs, a business directory, advocacy, free Employer Advisor Services, an M2M marketplace, and an annual Business Awards gala. It supplements membership revenue with fee-based services including Certificates of Origin certification, advertising in its e-newsletter and website, boardroom rentals, paid events/training, and tiered corporate partnership sponsorships.

Product overview

The Board of Trade is Newfoundland and Labrador's largest business association serving 800+ member companies. The organization operates as a chamber-style membership organization offering a unified portfolio of services centered on membership programs, events, and member savings. Core offerings include tiered business and student memberships, Employer Advisor Services (free advisory for workers' comp, OHS, and HR), Events Programming (networking, awards, conferences), Business Awards galas, M2M Marketplace deals, Ambassador Program, EOI Listings, and fee-based services (Certificates of Origin, Advertising, Boardroom Rentals). The organization also manages a Corporate Partnership Program with tiered sponsorship levels and coordinates Member Savings Programs offering exclusive discounts on insurance, shipping, POS systems, fleet maintenance, and office supplies. Members access services through a ChamberMaster-based portal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Business Membership Program Tiered annual membership for businesses of all sizes (1 to 100+ employees), granting access to networking events, the member directory, M2M marketplace, weekly e-newsletter, advertising discounts, boardroom rental discounts, paid event discounts, one vote in Board of Directors elections, and use of the BOT logo.
• Student Membership One-year non-renewing membership at $50/year for students enrolled in NL universities, colleges, or post-secondary institutes, providing access to networking events, discounted event tickets, advertising discounts, boardroom rentals, and a 30-minute consultation with the Ambassador Team.
• Certificates of Origin Certification Service Certification of Certificates of Origin, commercial invoices, and visa applications for Canadian exporters, available in DIY ($30+HST member / $45+HST non-member) and Full Service ($35+HST member / $50+HST non-member) tiers, processed online via tradeCert1.net.
• Advertising Services Advertising placements in the weekly e-newsletter (reaching 2,400 contacts) and on the BOT website. E-news rates range from $500/2 weeks (member) to $2,500/8 weeks (non-member); website rates range from $200/1 week (member) to $2,000/8 weeks (non-member). Members receive 50% off.
• Boardroom Rentals Modular boardroom rental seating 14+ people with AV system, guest WiFi, and kitchen access. Member half-day $100, full-day $200; non-member half-day $200, full-day $400. Optional coffee/tea/water service $50 extra. Available Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.
• Events Programming Year-round programming of paid and member-only business events, including networking mixers, professional development sessions, conferences, trade shows, golf tournaments, Business Bootcamp, State of the Province, and OHS training.
• Employer Advisor Services Free advisory services for NL employers, including workers' compensation support, appeals and review assistance, occupational health and safety guidance, and HR/employment advisory services.
• M2M Marketplace Member-to-member deal marketplace enabling BOT member businesses to offer exclusive discounts and special offers to fellow members, accessible through the ChamberMaster portal.
• Member Savings Programs Portfolio of exclusive member-only discount programs including group insurance (Chamber Plan, covering 30,000+ firms across Canada), Chambers of Commerce Group RRSP, POS systems (SONA), shipping logistics (ShipNow, Freightcom/ClickShip, FlagShip), fleet maintenance (Mr. Lube), home/auto insurance (BrokerLink), hotel accommodation (Sandman Signature), office supplies (Dicks & Company), and fuel discounts (Esso, Irving), plus Lenovo hardware savings and TxtSquad texting platform discount.
• Business Awards Program Annual awards program recognizing business excellence across nine categories — Opportunity Seeker, Boundary Pusher, Service Star, Community Champion (1-19 and 20+ Employees), Business Builder, Culture Creator, and Leading the Way: DEIB (1-19 and 20+ Employees) — culminating in the Business of the Year selection.
• Corporate Partnership Program Tiered sponsorship program for enterprises to gain strategic visibility and engagement with NL's business community: Platinum $17,500+HST/yr (3-year term), Gold $10,000+HST/yr (2-year term), Silver $5,000+HST/yr, Bronze $2,500+HST/yr, and Patron $6,000+HST/yr (advocacy add-on).
• Ambassador Program Volunteer Ambassador Team of up to 14 members serving two-year terms that promotes BOT membership benefits, assists at events, supports social media engagement, and provides a 30-minute consultation to new student members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Members report that savings from member-only savings programs often exceed the cost of membership.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BMOcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum corporate partner providing financial services visibility and support to the Board of Trade community. Three-year partnership term at $17,500 + HST annually.
• Air CanadacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum corporate partner providing airline travel visibility and potential member discounts. Three-year partnership term at $17,500 + HST annually.
• O'Neill Auto GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum corporate partner in the automotive sector. Three-year partnership term at $17,500 + HST annually.
• NATIONAL Public RelationscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum corporate partner providing public relations expertise and visibility. Three-year partnership term at $17,500 + HST annually.
• North AtlanticcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum corporate partner in the energy/services sector. Three-year partnership term at $17,500 + HST annually.
• BDCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — Business Development Bank of Canada provides financing and advisory services visibility to the BOT community. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• Cal LeGrowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — insurance services visibility. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• CAPPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers industry association visibility. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• SLBminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — global technology company in the energy sector. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• EmeracoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — energy company providing visibility and industry leadership. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• Stewart McKelveyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — law firm providing legal services visibility. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• Keyin CollegeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — post-secondary institution providing education and talent pipeline visibility. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• UberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — technology company providing mobility and delivery services visibility. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• KBRSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — talent recruitment firm providing HR services visibility. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• The Carpet FactoryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold corporate partner — retail/home services visibility. Two-year partnership term at $10,000 + HST annually.
• SONAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSONA is an Atlantic-based payment industry leader providing POS systems, credit/debit/online payment processing with guaranteed rates, no hidden costs, and local support. Board of Trade members receive access to SONA's savings program through this partnership.
• ShipNow LogisticscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCanadian freight brokerage helping businesses simplify shipping while reducing costs and improving reliability. BOT members receive preferred carrier pricing, lane-specific savings, expert guidance, dedicated local support, flexible shipping with no minimums, and claim advocacy.
• Mr. LubecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive Fleet Maintenance Savings Program for BOT members providing fast convenient services, simple fleet billing, preventive maintenance programs, complete maintenance solutions, improved visibility and cost control, flexible programs for all fleet sizes, and additional driver perks.
• BrokerLink InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred rates on home and auto insurance for members with savings up to 10%. BrokerLink provides free no-obligation insurance quotes through dedicated group insurance advisors, with business insurance packages also available.
• Sandman Signature St. John's HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive 15% discount on all room bookings at the Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel (201 modern guest rooms, Denny's & Moxie's restaurants, free parking/wi-fi, business centre, gym, pool). Use promo code: boardtrade.
• Dicks & Company BasicsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpecial account pricing on 20 office supply items, two hours of complimentary space planning services, and free Purity goodie box for new customers ordering $150+. Locally owned since 1840 with four locations and free same-day delivery.
• Freightcom / Chamber Shipping ProgramcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium commercial shipping company with negotiated discounts from top-tier carriers. BOT members access consolidated invoices, shipping labels, full tracking, ClickShip eCommerce integration (Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce), and designated Account Team with 24-hour turnaround.
• FlagShipminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline shipping solution providing instant comparison of discounted shipping rates from major courier companies with significant volume discounts and leading customer service available after hours and on weekends. BOT members save up to 70%.
• Canadian Chamber Plan / Group InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCanada's #1 Group Insurance plan for small business providing affordable and flexible health and dental coverage to over 30,000 firms across Canada. Fully pooled premiums, telemedicine service, Best Doctors expert medical opinions, and Business Assistance Services included.
• Chambers of Commerce Group RRSP ProgramcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRetirement benefits program tailor-made for small business with best-in-class investment options, education, and online services. Both employers and employees receive tax advantages with cost-effective design easy to set up and manage.
• Esso Business Card ProgramminorGTM or Marketing Partner3.5 cents per litre discount on fuel purchases at Esso and Mobil stations across Canada's largest retail fuel network of 2,000+ stations through the Canadian Chamber's Esso and Mobil Business Fleet Card Program.
• Irving Commercial Card ProgramminorGTM or Marketing Partner3 cents per litre discount on commercial fuel purchases through Irving using promo code CC21. Atlantic Chamber of Commerce program open to commercial fleets and small businesses.
• LenovominorGTM or Marketing PartnerUp to 30% savings on top products for home and office needs. Access through www3.lenovo.com/ca/en/chambers.
• AMAL NLminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProud partner of the Employer Advisors program, AMAL NL (youth and family centre) supports the Board of Trade's employer advisory services.
• Steele HotelsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProud partner of the Employer Advisors program, Steele Hotels supports the Board of Trade's employer advisory services.
• Waypoints NLminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProud partner of the Employer Advisors program, Waypoints NL supports the Board of Trade's employer advisory services.
• Canadian Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Board of Trade is a member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the primary and vital link between business and the federal government. This membership provides advocacy at the federal level for policies benefiting businesses, communities, and families across Canada.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• St. John's Board of Trade (DBA): The doing-business-as alias of the same organization, listed for completeness given the official 'St. John's Board of Trade' / SJBOT branding versus the legal name 'The Board of Trade.'

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Chamber of Commerce: National umbrella organization of which The Board of Trade is a member. Operates at a broader geographic and policy scale; provides federal advocacy, group insurance, and savings programs that the BOT extends locally.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): North American business accreditation and trust organization that charges membership dues, runs events, and provides member benefits. Comparable on membership-monetization model and SMB focus, though more trust-rating oriented.

Direct peers

• Toronto Region Board of Trade: Largest urban chamber of commerce in Canada, operating a similar tiered membership, corporate partnership, advocacy, and event-based model. Most direct comparable on business model and revenue structure, though at materially larger scale in a different province.
• Calgary Chamber of Commerce: Provincial chamber offering tiered membership, advocacy, networking events, business awards, and member benefits in an energy-economy city. Comparable on model and exposure to resource-sector economic cycles.
• Vancouver Board of Trade: Major Canadian city chamber offering tiered memberships, policy advocacy, signature events, awards, and member savings programs. Closely comparable membership-and-advocacy model to The Board of Trade.
• Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce: Manitoba's largest chamber offering tiered memberships, advocacy, business awards, events, and member savings programs. Direct comparable on SMB-focused chamber operating model.
• Ottawa Board of Trade: Mid-sized Canadian city chamber of commerce offering membership tiers, networking events, awards, advocacy, and member benefits. Closely aligned on operating model and revenue mix.

Regional players

• Halifax Chamber of Commerce: Atlantic Canada peer operating a similar chamber model in the neighboring province of Nova Scotia. Comparable on membership, events, and advocacy framework, with overlap in the Atlantic Canadian business community.
• Atlantic Chamber of Commerce: Regional chamber umbrella covering the four Atlantic provinces. Comparable advocacy and member benefits model, and a likely coordination layer for the BOT's regional policy work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@boardoftradenl
• Facebookfacebook.com/boardoftradenl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/board-of-trade
• Instagraminstagram.com/boardoftradenl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 The Board of Trade