Small business nonprofits play a vital role in fostering vibrant communities and driving local economies forward. These organizations, often run by passionate individuals dedicated to a cause, focus on supporting and empowering small businesses within their communities.
Think of your favorite shop. Is it a big box store in a strip mall?
Or is it the mom-and-pop owned place on the corner of a quiet neighborhood?
Favorite restaurant? Is it a chain or locally owned?
Small businesses, while certainly charming and unique, (perhaps more importantly) play a crucial role in both our community and economy, serving as the lifeblood of communities and driving innovation and growth.
Yet, these vital entities often face unique challenges, from navigating financial hurdles to adapting to rapidly changing market conditions.
Stepping into this gap, an array of small business nonprofits has emerged, dedicated to supporting these enterprises at every stage of their journey.
These organizations, with their tailored programs, resources, and advocacy, are pivotal in empowering small business owners and ensuring their success.
As we explore the work of these standout small business nonprofits, we uncover the breadth and depth of their commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable small business ecosystem.
Their efforts not only bolster individual businesses but also contribute to the broader economic vitality and community well-being, making them indispensable allies in the quest for economic resilience and prosperity.
Small Business Nonprofits Making a Difference
1. SCORE
- Mission: To foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education.
- History: Established in 1964 as a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE is a leading small business nonprofit offering free business mentoring and affordable training.
- Impact: With thousands of volunteers, SCORE delivers mentorship and workshops to help small businesses start, grow, and achieve their goals, reinforcing the backbone of the national economy.
2. Small Business Majority
- Mission: To empower America’s entrepreneurs to build a thriving and inclusive economy.
- History: Founded in 2005, Small Business Majority is a small business nonprofit that advocates for public policy solutions and provides resources to support small business growth and sustainability.
- Impact: It reaches a network of more than 70,000 small businesses, offering tools, resources, and advocacy on critical public policy issues.
3. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
- Mission: To provide resources, benefits, and advocacy for self-employed and micro-businesses.
- History: Since 1981, NASE has stood as a leading small business nonprofit, offering a range of benefits, resources, and support to the self-employed and micro-business sector.
- Impact: NASE grants, educational resources, and legislative advocacy help small businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
4. Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- Mission: To fuel economic growth globally by identifying, certifying, and facilitating the development of women-owned businesses.
- History: WBENC, founded in 1997, is a prominent small business nonprofit certifying women-owned businesses in the U.S. and advocating for women entrepreneurs.
- Impact: Provides certification, business development, and networking opportunities, aiding women-owned businesses in their growth and success.
5. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
- Mission: To promote the growth of minority-owned businesses through public and private sector programs, policy, and research.
- History: As the only federal agency specifically for minority-owned business growth, MBDA represents a cornerstone small business nonprofit initiative.
- Impact: Operates nationwide, offering technical assistance and strategic business consulting to minority business enterprises.
6. National Small Business Association (NSBA)
- Mission: To advocate for America’s small businesses in the public policy arena.
- History: NSBA, established in 1937, is a nonpartisan small business nonprofit focused on advocating for small businesses at the federal level.
- Impact: Provides networking, advocacy, and resources to improve the small business operating environment.
7. Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
- Mission: To engage leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow.
- History: EO, founded in 1987, is a global small business nonprofit network supporting business owners in their growth and personal development.
- Impact: Facilitates peer-to-peer learning, leading to greater business success and enriched personal life for entrepreneurs.
8. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
- Mission: To provide capital, strategies, and know-how to community-based organizations for local development.
- History: LISC, started in 1979, is a small business nonprofit mobilizing support to offer loans, grants, and equity investments for community revitalization.
- Impact: Supports small business growth and development, benefiting businesses and their communities.
9. Accion
- Mission: To provide financial tools for improving lives. Accion is a global leader among small business nonprofits, focusing on creating economic opportunities by connecting entrepreneurs with the financial services they need to start and grow their businesses.
- History: As a global small business nonprofit, Accion connects people to the financial tools and services they need to improve their lives and sustain their businesses.
- Impact: Helps small businesses access capital, networks, and support services, fostering sustainable growth and positive social and economic change.
10. TechSoup
- Mission: To facilitate technology solutions for a more equitable planet.
- History: TechSoup, since 1987, has been a key small business nonprofit providing technology resources to community organizations.
- Impact: Offers donations and discounts on software, hardware, and services, aiding nonprofits and small businesses in accessing essential technological tools.
These small business nonprofits are integral to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit and ensuring the health and growth of small businesses, proving vital to the economic and social fabric of communities across the nation.
Their unwavering support and innovative programs provide a lifeline to small business owners, offering not just financial assistance but also strategic guidance, networking opportunities, and advocacy.
By championing the cause of small enterprises, these organizations help to create a more dynamic and inclusive economy, where businesses of all sizes can flourish.
Through their dedicated efforts, small business nonprofits play a critical role in building resilient local economies, fostering job creation, and empowering communities, ensuring that the backbone of our economy remains strong and vibrant.
