Small Business Groups

Small business groups advocate for the rights of small business on a state and federal level. There are many local small business groups which are affiliates of nation-wide small business groups. Collectively, they provide a wealth of information for small business, from the national issues that affect them to tax information. Each group has different benefits for their members.

National Small Business Association

The National Small Business Association (http://www.nsba.biz) has been serving small business since 1937. It represents over 150,000 small businesses, and its Board of Trustees is made up of 32 small business owners.

NSBA offers a bimonthly newsletter, a variety of guides, and many benefits to its members. The guides cover a variety of issues, from taxation, to economic development, to a disaster plan. The benefits available to NSBA members are wide, including insurance, 401k plans, free payroll setup, and discounted office products and shipping services.

The annual dues are on a sliding scale to make membership affordable to all small businesses.

National Federation of Independent Business

The NFIB (http://www.nfib.com) has 600,000 members, over half of which have 5 employees or less. It was ranked the most influential business organization in Fortune magazine's "Washington's Power 25" survey.

NFIB offers a wide variety of publications to its members to keep them up to date on small business news, such as a bimonthly magazine and a guide to how Congress voted on key small business issues.

NFIB also offers health care and employee benefits, business insurance, and discounted products from companies such as FedEx and Dell. Members are encouraged to participate by voting on the NFIB Member Ballot. This ballot is how NFIB forms its small business agenda.

Also available is an online Business Toolbox. This Toolbox provides a wide variety of free guides on concerns such as taxes, compensation and benefits, and legal issues. The Business Toolbox also offers a Get Advice section where small business owners can get a fast reply to their queries.

Membership is a flat fee, either $200 per year or $20 per month.

Small Business Administration

The United States SBA (http://www.sba.gov) was established in 1953. Besides advocating for small businesses, SBA strives to inspire creativity in the American economy and empower the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Unlike other groups, SBA doesn't have membership as it is a government organization. However, it does offer a wide variety of benefits for the small business owner. The SBA offers many free newsletters and guides on topics such as starting a business, managing a business, and business opportunities.

The SBA also offers financial help for small businesses -- financing, loans, investment programs, and bonds.

The SBA also offers disaster recovery assistance in the form of loans. These loans are very flexible in order to allow small businesses to get back on their feet quickly after disaster strikes.