The National Association for the Self-Employed, founded in 1981, offers support, resources and education for the self-employed and owners of micro-businesses (up to 10 employees). Originally, NASE sought to level the playing ground so that small businesses and self-employed individuals could obtain some of the benefits of large corporations. Their success speaks volumes—they currently boast a membership of over 250,000 members.

NASE is very involved in advocacy programs, sponsoring legislation to support self-employment and micro-business, such as tax equality, health insurance tax credits, social security reform, and federal small-business programs.

Additionally, NASE members are able to obtain benefits they would not be able to get on their own, such as group health insurance, legal services, and payroll services. Plus, membership includes discounts on movie tickets, auto insurance, hotel discounts, amusement parks and more.

Plus, NASE offers information to help you run your business. Expert advice is available on taxes, start-up, marketing, insurance, and more. Members can ask questions and get an answer in a day. Currently, their “Entrepreneurial Connection” features a guide to government resources which provides information you need to do business with the government. Topics vary monthly, and there are many topics covered in the archives, including Home Business Start-up, Increase Profits, Write a Business Plan, and How to Choose a Franchise.

To learn more about NASE, visit their website: http://www.nase.org.

Recently, NASE added a Women’s Resource Center, which you can find at http://www.women.nase.org.