Strategic Alliance Partner - SAP™

The Strategic Alliance Partner (SAP™) designation represents the highest tier of institutional affiliation offered by the Business Development Association (BDA). This honorary and symbolic partnership is reserved for sovereign and high-impact institutions such as chambers of commerce, ministries, government agencies, national commissions, and large-scale economic development bodies that serve as key drivers of national or regional economic growth.

SAP™ partnerships are not available via open public application. They are extended strictly by official invitation from BDA or an authorized representative, following a strategic review of the institution’s mission, scope of influence, and alignment with the global vision and professional ethics of the BDA Body of Competence & Knowledge (BoCK™). These partnerships do not involve commercial licensing, certification, or training rights, but rather represent a formal alliance to promote strategic cooperation and mutual visibility.

Approved SAP™ partners are granted permission to use the official “BDA Strategic Alliance Partner” emblem on formal reports, development documents, and international collaborations, subject to usage guidelines. The partner is also listed on the BDA’s official Strategic Partners page and receives priority access to participate in BDA-led global initiatives or country-based engagements.

While the SAP™ partnership carries no operational or annual fees, a non-refundable application review fee of €500 is required to initiate the strategic evaluation process. The outcome of the application is communicated within 30 days of receiving all required documentation.

This partnership reflects BDA’s commitment to fostering structured cooperation with leading public and institutional actors and serves to extend the reach of professional business development standards across national and regional ecosystems.