About NKBPA
The North Knoxville Business & Professional Association brings businesses and organizations together to support our community and schools in North Knoxville. It was founded in June 2003 and is run entirely by volunteers.
What is NKBPA?
NKBPA is an association of business and community leaders dedicated to serving and improving the North Knoxville community. Our members are local businesses, professionals, nonprofits, schools and neighbors. Most are in and around ZIP code 37917, along North Broadway, North Central Street and Emerald Avenue.
We are a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are not a chamber of commerce, and we are nonpartisan.
What does NKBPA do?
- Monthly breakfast meetings. On the second Friday of each month, with a local speaker on issues that matter to neighborhood development.
- Networking. Business owners, nonprofit leaders, school staff, city and county officials and neighbors in one room.
- Support for Fulton High School. Scholarships with the Fulton High School Alumni Association, plus the Fulton Secret Santa program.
- Gifts to local nonprofits serving the diverse population of North Knoxville.
- Annual awards. A Business of the Year and a Non-Profit of the Year, presented each December.
- Quarterly Lunch Mobs. Members fill a local North Knoxville restaurant at lunchtime to support it.
- Member promotion. Chances to be highlighted on social media, featured on the website and to sponsor events.
Why did NKBPA start?
The founders wanted North Knoxville to be better recognized, to keep businesses informed about what is happening in the community, to pool resources to help this part of Knoxville, and to be able to organize when the community needs a voice. Read our history.
About NKBPA: common questions
What does NKBPA stand for?
The North Knoxville Business & Professional Association, a volunteer-run group of North Knoxville businesses, professionals, nonprofits and neighbors.
Who runs NKBPA?
A volunteer board of directors and four officers. See the board members page.
Does NKBPA endorse candidates?
No. NKBPA is nonpartisan. When we host a candidate forum, we invite every candidate in the race.
Are donations tax-deductible?
NKBPA is listed by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Please check with your own tax advisor. Membership dues include benefits such as breakfast, so they may not be fully deductible.
Join us for breakfast on the second Friday.
Guests are always welcome. Breakfast and networking begin at 7:45 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 544 N. Broadway, and the program starts promptly at 8:00. Membership is $60 a year for individuals and $150 for businesses.