At Resilient Virginia, we’re always looking for ways to expand our impact and amplify the voice of sustainable business in our state. One way we’re doing that is through our affiliation with the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN)—a national organization that connects and supports values-driven businesses and networks across the country.
So what exactly is ASBN, and what does it mean for Resilient Virginia — and our members — to be the Virginia state affiliate?
What Is ASBN?
The American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) works to “empower, connect, and support state and local affiliates … to ensure the sustainable business voice shapes policy and decision-making.”
ASBN is committed to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable economy. Through its State Affiliates program, it partners with organizations like Resilient Virginia to help elevate local leadership, scale impact, and bring real solutions to policy makers at all levels.
What Is the State Affiliates Program?
The State Affiliates program is a membership tier within ASBN that enables state or regional organizations to tap into a powerful national network while continuing to lead change locally. As a state affiliate, Resilient Virginia has a formal relationship with ASBN, giving us access to its campaigns, resources, and tools—while providing us a stronger platform to influence both state and national policy.
This affiliation strengthens our efforts to educate and mobilize the business community in Virginia around sustainable, equitable economic development.
Key Benefits of ResVA’s Affiliation with ASBN
Amplified Voice & Legitimacy
Being part of a national network gives Resilient Virginia added legitimacy in the eyes of legislators, funders, and the business community. It’s easier to build partnerships, attract attention to our work, and align our local efforts with larger national movements.
Through ASBN, we can also access policy frameworks, model legislation, and national campaigns that can be adapted to Virginia’s unique needs.
Connection to National Campaigns & Resources
As a member of ASBN’s network, Resilient Virginia benefits from a wide range of tools and opportunities:
- Policy briefs and research
- Shared messaging and communications support
- Webinars, events, and knowledge hubs
- Access to “sign-on” letters and federal campaigns
This makes it easier for us—and our members—to plug into national opportunities while continuing to focus on local solutions.
Expanded Network & Collaboration Potential
We’re now connected to a growing network of state affiliates, businesses, and industry partners working across the country. This opens the door for multi-state coalitions, joint funding proposals, and co-hosted events on issues like climate resilience, clean energy, or sustainable procurement.
Stronger Influence
Resilient Virginia can now leverage ASBN’s platform to increase our influence in state policymaking. We can coordinate messaging across states and bring national visibility to Virginia’s policy innovations—helping elevate successful models that can be replicated elsewhere.
Shared Capacity & Economies of Scale
We no longer have to start from scratch. ASBN provides templates, research repositories, and staff support that reduce redundancy and help us focus on the work that matters most—mobilizing our business community and advancing on-the-ground change.
Access to Funding & Grants
Being part of ASBN positions us for multi-state or national-level funding opportunities. Foundations increasingly want to see cross-scale coordination, and our affiliation allows us to demonstrate that.
In some cases, ASBN directly supports affiliates with resources and fundraising opportunities.
Scaling Local Successes
With ASBN’s network behind us, successful policy pilots or initiatives we run in Virginia can gain national attention and be replicated by other states. Likewise, we can import best practices from across the country to strengthen our local work.
Benefits for Resilient Virginia Members
Resilient Virginia members now benefit from:
- A stronger national policy voice
- Access to webinars, toolkits, and educational resources
- Discounts on ASBN events
- More visibility and networking opportunities
- Greater impact through collective influence
- Potential funding and collaboration opportunities
Join Us — And Grow with Us
We’re proud to be an ASBN state affiliate, and we see this as a strategic partnership that helps scale our mission and deepen our impact. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, nonprofit, or advocate, we invite you to join us in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for Virginia and beyond.
Interested in becoming an ASBN member?
Coming soon: Resilient Virginia is introducing new membership levels that will offer businesses joint membership with both Resilient Virginia and ASBN.
Together, we’re building momentum for a regenerative, inclusive, and climate-smart economy—from the ground up.
