A business association is an organization of individuals or companies that come together to pursue common interests. A SYNDICATE is a group of people or organizations that cooperate to undertake a particular task or project, often involving the pooling of resources. A FIRM is a business entity, usually one that is formed and managed by one or more people for the purpose of engaging in commercial, industrial, or professional activities. All three terms refer to a group of people or entities that join together to pursue a common goal.