Support Organizations & Associations
This list includes only well-established regional, national, and global organizations focused specifically on entrepreneurs. They all are supported by face-to-face events and/or online community. Beware one-man operations posing as some sort of "network" or "association".
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
NASE was founded in 1981 by small business owners who realized they could enjoy the same economies of scale for purchasing goods and services simply by banding together. NASE also keeps members informed about legislative activities and provides access to resources and experts.
NASE was founded in 1981 by small business owners who realized they could enjoy the same economies of scale for purchasing goods and services simply by banding together. NASE also keeps members informed about legislative activities and provides access to resources and experts.
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
With over 600,000 members, the NFIB is the nation's largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses. NFIB was created to give small and independent business a voice in governmental decision making.
With over 600,000 members, the NFIB is the nation's largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses. NFIB was created to give small and independent business a voice in governmental decision making.
Disabled Entrepreneurs Network (DEN)
An offshoot of the Association of Disabled Professionals, DEN provides networking opportunities and information services for disabled individuals who are self-employed or small business owners. Kudos to them for having an accessible site.
An offshoot of the Association of Disabled Professionals, DEN provides networking opportunities and information services for disabled individuals who are self-employed or small business owners. Kudos to them for having an accessible site.
Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO)
A global non-profit educational organization for business owners under the age of 50, this one is definitely for the more enterprising -- you must either be the founder/owner/controlling shareholder of a company with at least $1 million annual sales, or you must be VC-backed.
A global non-profit educational organization for business owners under the age of 50, this one is definitely for the more enterprising -- you must either be the founder/owner/controlling shareholder of a company with at least $1 million annual sales, or you must be VC-backed.
Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE)
FWE is a service organization for women building and leading high-growth technology and life science companies. FWE is headquartered in the Bay Area and has chapters in Seattle, Colorado, Texas, San Diego and Los Angeles as well as Paris, France.
FWE is a service organization for women building and leading high-growth technology and life science companies. FWE is headquartered in the Bay Area and has chapters in Seattle, Colorado, Texas, San Diego and Los Angeles as well as Paris, France.
International Virtual Women's Chamber of Commerce (IVWCC)
The IVWCC supports women-owned micro-businesses in the start-up or emergent phase of their business. They provide a forum for communication and development of joint partnerships around the globe.
The IVWCC supports women-owned micro-businesses in the start-up or emergent phase of their business. They provide a forum for communication and development of joint partnerships around the globe.
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
NAWBO represents the interests of women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses and promotes activism by women entrepreneurs in social and political arenas.
NAWBO represents the interests of women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses and promotes activism by women entrepreneurs in social and political arenas.
National Black Business Council (NBBC)
The mission of the NBBC is to be a catalyst for the creation and development of black-owned businesses. The purpose of this effort is to foster the growth and networking of black businesses, the rebirth of black communities and the achievement of black professionals.
The mission of the NBBC is to be a catalyst for the creation and development of black-owned businesses. The purpose of this effort is to foster the growth and networking of black businesses, the rebirth of black communities and the achievement of black professionals.
The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE)
A global, inclusive, non-profit organization created for the advancement of entrepreneurship, focused primarily in IT, communications, and biotechnology. Founded in Silicon Valley in 1992, TiE has quickly grown to over 35 chapters around the world. TIE also stands for Talent, Innovation, and Enterprise.
A global, inclusive, non-profit organization created for the advancement of entrepreneurship, focused primarily in IT, communications, and biotechnology. Founded in Silicon Valley in 1992, TiE has quickly grown to over 35 chapters around the world. TIE also stands for Talent, Innovation, and Enterprise.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE provides free counseling, either in person or via e-mail, how-to articles, and other resources to small businesses. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
SCORE provides free counseling, either in person or via e-mail, how-to articles, and other resources to small businesses. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
SOHO America
This purely virtual community provides resources and interactive community for small- and home-based business ownvers.
This purely virtual community provides resources and interactive community for small- and home-based business ownvers.