01/17/2026
Last week, we celebrated 41 years of BNI®, a journey that began in 1985 with Dr. Ivan Misner and a simple, powerful idea: build relationships that help businesses grow. That idea sparked the creation of a business model that has supported over 2 million Members worldwide and continues to shape how entrepreneurs connect and grow.
What was once a dream has since become a global network that today consists of 355,000+ active Members across 11,600+ Chapters in 76 countries, sustained by consistent leadership and strong Chapter foundations, resulting in $27.1 Billion USD in Thank You for Closed Business and 17.6 million referrals in 2025 alone and more than $239 billion USD in TYFCB since 1985.
As we mark 41 years, we celebrate not only the foundation of BNI, but the relationships and leaders who continue to move it forward. We invite you to read our 41st Anniversary blog to explore why proven principles still outperform what’s new - and to share this milestone as a reminder of how our Members play an important role in Changing the Way the World Does Business®.
BNI has connected business professionals, strengthened communities, and proven the power of Givers Gain®. We are grateful to our Members, Directors, and leaders for their dedication to building this exceptional community. To the partnerships formed, the growth achieved, and the bright future ahead – Happy 41st anniversary, BNI!