Arlington Chamber of Commerce

The business gateway to networking and advocacy in Arlington, VA

Community HubNorthern Virginia

About Arlington Chamber of Commerce

What it is

The Arlington (VA) Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) voluntary membership organization of more than 650 businesses and organizations. It works to strengthen the business environment for people who work, live and do business in Arlington, with a focus on business-to-business and business-to-community opportunities. Its work covers networking, professional development, government advocacy and community programs, and it hosts more than 100 events a year.

What it offers founders

For an early-stage founder in Arlington, the Chamber is mainly a way to meet local businesses, service providers and potential customers, and to follow local and state policy. Relevant offerings include:

Networking series: Breakfast Connection, a roundtable format where each attendee gives a 60-second pitch; Business After Business, a monthly end-of-day event; Women in Business; and the Young Professionals Happy Hour for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Education: the monthly Small Business Roundtable, free for members, with a changing topic each month, and Chamber 101, a free orientation for new, current and prospective members.
Advocacy: public policy positions on Arlington and Virginia issues, plus events such as the Legislative Breakfast, NOVA Elected Leaders Summit and County Board Candidate Forum.
Member resources: a business directory, job board, advertising options, committees, LeadShare and chamber-assisted grand openings.

Who it is for

Any legally operating business or nonprofit can join, and a business does not need to be located in Arlington. Membership is company-wide, so if your company already appears in the business directory, your employees are covered. The Chamber also runs community programs such as Arlington Restaurant Week, the Child Care Alliance, Job Shadow Day and a scholarship fund.

Membership and pricing

The Chamber offers a standard membership and a Chamber Connect membership for businesses with 1 to 9 full-time employees. Chamber Connect adds a networking passport to Business After Business or Women in Business, plus quarterly Breakfast Connection events, and a one-year advertisement. A one-time $25 processing fee applies to all applications. Dues amounts are shown on the membership page; nonprofits, banks, government entities, restaurants, hotels and some other categories must contact the Chamber for their rate. No startup-specific tier is listed. You can apply through the online application.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

Arlington is home to many government contractors, professional services firms and a growing technology sector. The Chamber is a practical starting point for founders who sell to local businesses, need local service providers, or want a voice on county and state business policy. Attending a free Chamber 101 session or a Small Business Roundtable as a prospective member is a low-cost way to see whether the network fits before joining. Upcoming events are listed on the events page.

Programs

Small Business Roundtable
A monthly educational session on a changing small business topic. Free for members, with a small fee for prospective members; advance registration is requested.
Chamber 101
A free seminar that introduces new, current and prospective members to Chamber events, committees, sponsorships and advocacy, and to Chamber staff.
Breakfast Connection
A morning roundtable networking event where each attendee exchanges cards and gives a 60-second pitch at their table.
Business After Business
A monthly end-of-day networking event; food and drinks are included with registration.
Young Professionals Happy Hour
Networking events hosted by member businesses to help young professionals and entrepreneurs build contacts across Arlington's business community.
Women in Business
A bimonthly networking series included in the Chamber Connect membership passport option.

Who it serves

Businesses and nonprofits of any size that operate in or sell into Arlington, Virginia, including small companies with 1 to 9 employees.

Frequently asked questions

Does my business need to be in Arlington to join?

No. Any legally operating business or nonprofit can join, and businesses do not need to be located in Arlington.

Is there a membership option for very small companies?

Yes. Chamber Connect membership is for businesses with 1 to 9 full-time employees and includes a networking passport and a one-year advertisement. A one-time $25 processing fee applies. No separate startup tier is listed.

Can I attend before joining?

Yes. Chamber 101 is free and open to prospective members, and the Small Business Roundtable is open to prospective members for a small fee. It is free for members.

How do I join?

Complete the online membership application and pay dues. For rates for special categories such as nonprofits or restaurants, contact the Chamber at (703) 525-2400.

Where is the Chamber located?

2009 14th Street North, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22201.