One way for a group to get a leg up in SWI is to join or interact with an association of similar organizations. These associations will be able to assist in obtaining or directly provide resources for your group. There is a cost of membership, of course, and your group will be required from time to time to provide 'favors' to the association or its members.
The details of what is offered and what may be required of a group should be resolved through roleplaying. Here are some example associations that are available in SWI:
The Hutts. The Hutts are the number one criminal organization — a crime empire — but have always stayed in the background in SWC. They do, however, love to invest in other criminal organizations and provide resources and operatives for them, because of the great benefits and resources they derive in return.
Corporate Sector Authority. The CSA is a sector government, but it is still publically owned. There is a lot of money to be made in their captive market, along with a great supply of manufactured items and raw materials. Corporations may be approved by the Direx Board to become sponsors, with an even greater number of benefits.
Mining Guild. The Mining Guild can help a group develop the infrastructure needed for obtaining, refining, and distributing raw materials.
Other Crime Syndicates. There are other criminal organizations your group can become part of or associate with, and you don't have to be an outright criminal organization yourself. Crime syndicates seek to control all criminal activity in a given area of space, and have a great deal invested in the infrastructure there. They can make or "break" your group.
Planetary Leagues. Occasionally the Free Planets in SWI attempt to ally with one another or form a union. It usually doesn't work out in the end. But maybe you could find a better alternative...
