The NFIB strongly advocates in Washington and the state capitals to prevent
federal and state governments from harming small businesses. They are one of
the most effective small business lobbying groups in the country. In addition,
they can often provide worker's compensation insurance at a lower cost than
most insurance carriers.
National Association of the Self Employed www.nase.org
This organization is a leading advocate with government agencies to protect
the interests and rights of small business owners. Also, they have more
affordable health care coverage in most parts of the country.
Fellowship of Companies for Christ International www.fcci.org
For those who are concerned about presenting a Christian witness in the
marketplace and following Biblical principles of management, this organization
offers local support groups, regional conferences, resource people, and other
support and fellowship opportunities.
It is also an excellent source of leadership materials and ethics and
morality guidelines and studies for christians and non-christians. Their
self-study courses and company management/vision evaluations are truly top
notch.
The association of world trade organizations can assist small businesses
with breaking into the import or export businesses. Many local WTAs have
libraries and offer local networking events and courses. They often provide
introductions to government agencies that are helpful in cutting through the
massive red tape involved in international commerce.
The BBB does not seem to be as popular as it once was, but is still an
important part of the commercial scene. Members pledge to conduct themselves
on a higher ethical level. While this does not reflect poorly on non-members,
membership can be a marketing advantage for retail establishments where
consumer confidence is a significant factor.
The local chamber of commerce is generally geared towards the desires of
larger businesses in most communities, even though smaller businesses make up
the vast majority of most chamber memberships. Recently the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce has begun efforts towards reaching out to smaller businesses. Your
local chamber probably sponsors a monthly networking event which might be
helpful to you. A number of chambers also sponsor an annual small business
expo, and may even have a small business resource person on staff.
(Hint: as a small business, review any group health care plans
available through your local chamber of commerce. You may be pleasantly
surprised to discover a lower cost structure versus the more traditional
insurance coverages.)
Merchants Associations
Local merchants associations are almost always driven by the needs and
desires of smaller business owners. This can be an excellent source of
educational material on a wide variety of small business concerns. Also,
merchants associations offer a number of networking opportunities between
small businesses. Sometimes merchants associations will run a credit checking
operation, making membership almost a necessity for smaller retail operations.
Health benefits associations for small business owners &
self-employed
There are several health benefits associations available for small business
owners and the self-employed. They are non-profit groups whose goal is to
provide more affordable health insurance to smaller companies. In several
states (such as Florida and North Carolina) the state government has sponsored
an "alliance" organization in an attempt to help small businesses
band together to command lower group rates.
You can call your state insurance department to ask about these types of
organizations.
