While some business associations may seem to be all fluff, there are a number of others that offer some worthy benefits for business owners and employees. Some require membership while others don’t, but all of these offer advantages to those who take the time to explore their sites and learn more about them.
SCORE (http://www.score.org/)The Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) is probably one of the most well known business associations. With a branch in nearly every metropolitan area, and others in small to mid-size towns across the nation, along with a resource filled website accessible to anyone, SCORE offers a plethora of resources for business owners and entrepreneurs. Whether you need help creating a business plan, loca
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ting small business publications, finding a mentor, getting financial guidance or anything else related to business, SCORE offers a variety of helpful services both online and face-to-face.
NBIA (http://www.nbia.org/)The National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) is an organization designed to provide business start-up resources and information to entrepreneurs worldwide. With nearly one-fourth of their members located outside the United States, the NBIA offers training and conferences, business start-up and incubation publications and resources, consulting and more for business owners across the globe.
NASE (http://www.nase.org/)The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers support and benefits to small business owners and entrepreneurs that might only be available to large corporations without them. Assistance is available to help members understand tax rules and regulations, manage their business finances, improve their marketing strategies, develop effective policies and procedures, plan for retirement, get answers about the new health care laws and more.
NFIB (http://www.nfib.com/)The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is another one of the better known small business organizations in America. The goal of the NFIB is to serve as a consensus for its members in each state capital as well as in Washington, DC by protecting the right of its members to own and operate their own businesses. In addition, the NFIB offers resources and information to help grow a business and increase profitability in a number of service areas.
NBA (http://www.nationalbusiness.org/)The National Business Association (NBA) offers it members a variety of discounts and other benefits for business, as well as helpful educational and health related tools, and a variety of general lifestyle resources. Savings opportunities include discounts on advertising specialities, printing, toll free phone numbers, payroll services, tax preparation, accounting services, business promotion, and much more. Other resources include discounts on travel and lodging, health, life and accident insurance, prescription savings, physician consultations via the telephone, access to online training and courses, business seminars and conferences, books and ebooks, car rentals, gifts and many other items.
These are just a sampling of the business associations available to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Visit their websites and learn more about each one to determine if any of their many affordable, or free, membership options would be helpful to you and your business.