The Chamber ALX

Supporting Businesses and Cultivating Community

Community HubNorthern Virginia

About The Chamber ALX

What it is

The Chamber ALX is the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, an advocacy-based nonprofit with more than 890 member businesses. Its stated mission is to ensure a thriving future for Alexandria and to welcome every business that operates there, from small local shops to large global companies. It advocates for businesses with local government, hosts events that connect members, promotes members to the community, and says it helps businesses work through startup challenges, market shifts and regulatory changes. Its offices are at 100 N. Pitt Street in Old Town Alexandria.

What it offers founders

For a founder based in or selling into Alexandria, the Chamber offers local connections, visibility and a channel to city government. Its programming falls into three groups:

Networking series: Networking Breakfast, After Hours (a quarterly evening event that rotates between neighborhoods), Member Edge, Merry Membership and a Regional Networking Event.
Program series: Advocacy, the Professional Women's Network, the Minority Business Council, Leadership Alexandria, the Disability Awareness Awards and the Young Leader's Network.
Signature events: Best in Business awards, which include Micro Business, Small Business and Rising Star of the Year categories, along with State of Business, 40 Under 40, Women's Leadership Forum, Golf Classic and CareerCon, a free masterclass connecting local students with industry professionals.

Members also get featured listings on the Membership News page, social media sharing, and access to committees such as Government Relations and Ambassadors. The Chamber also issues electronically stamped Certificates of Origin through a partnership with the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce, which may help companies that export.

Who it is for

The Chamber serves businesses and nonprofits of all sizes that operate in Alexandria. Member Edge, a free quarterly orientation, is aimed at new businesses, people new to the area and people new to their organization. The Minority Business Council focuses on networking, education, equitable business growth and access to capital for the city's diverse business community.

Membership and pricing

Businesses join through an online application. The membership page does not publish dues amounts and points to a membership benefits and application document; contact the membership team at 703.549.1000 or info@thechamberalx.com for current rates. Event pricing is published per event: for example, After Hours tickets are $35 for members and $50 for prospective members. See the membership page for details.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

Alexandria is a dense small business market next to DC and Arlington. The Chamber is where many local business owners, service providers and civic leaders meet, and its Government Relations Committee represents business interests at the local, state and federal levels. A founder can attend a free Member Edge session or an After Hours event as a prospective member to judge the fit before joining. The full calendar is on the programs and events page.

Programs

Member Edge
A free quarterly orientation that introduces new businesses and newcomers to Chamber benefits, programs, committees and advocacy, and to staff and other new members.
After Hours
A quarterly evening networking event that rotates through Alexandria neighborhoods. Tickets are $35 for members and $50 for prospective members.
Minority Business Council
A council that fosters networking and educational opportunities for Alexandria's diverse business community, with goals of equitable business growth and increased access to capital.
Best in Business
The Chamber's signature awards event, honoring a Business Leader of the Year and businesses in categories including Micro, Small, Medium and Large Business and Rising Star of the Year.
CareerCon
A free masterclass that connects Alexandria high school and college students with industry professionals, with scholarships for attendees.
Young Leader's Network
A program series for younger professionals within the Chamber's professional development programming.

Who it serves

Businesses and nonprofits of all sizes operating in Alexandria, Virginia, including new businesses and owners new to the area.

Frequently asked questions

How much does membership cost?

Dues are not published on the membership page. Contact The Chamber ALX at 703.549.1000 or info@thechamberalx.com, or see the membership benefits and application document linked from the membership page.

Can I attend events before joining?

Yes. Many events sell prospective member tickets, for example After Hours at $50 versus $35 for members. Member Edge orientation sessions are complimentary.

Is there support for minority-owned businesses?

Yes. The Minority Business Council runs networking and educational events focused on equitable business growth and access to capital.

How do I join?

Apply online through the Join Now link on the membership page. The Director of Membership can answer questions.

Where is the Chamber located?

100 N. Pitt Street, Suite 208, Alexandria, VA 22314. Phone 703.549.1000.