The Small Business Member Alliance Pilot Program

STAFF CONTACT :

Vice President of Membership

Introducing The Small Business Member Alliance (SBMA)

The Business Council recently launched a new pilot program in partnership with local and regional business organizations to allow their small business members to take advantage of many of the benefits that Business Council dues-paying members enjoy. This program began in August of 2021 as a pilot, with a handful of local chambers, with the goal to expand in 2022.

2021 SBMA Partners Include:

Already a member? Click here to access the members-only page.

What is the Small Business Member Alliance?

Businesses with ten or fewer full-time employees that are members of local chambers of commerce or business organizations are now eligible to receive free membership with The Business Council! This membership will allow qualified small businesses in New York to have an enhanced member benefit with their local business organizations while providing access to many of the benefits of the state's premier business advocacy group. Our goal is to expand further the positive relationship between The Business Council and local business organizations and at the same time strengthen the advocacy capacity of New York's small businesses at the grassroots level by increased legislative advocacy effectiveness. This pilot program is being done with limited participation this year, with a possible expansion in 2022.

Some Benefits Include:

Access to SBMA "members-only" content on our website.
Participation in The Business Council's e-advocacy program to get your voice heard at the State Capitol.
Free access to the HR/Labor webinar scheduled series.
50% discount on other webinars
Discounts on products and services through our affinity partnerships.
Access to the Business Council of New York State, Inc. MEP 401(K) program designed for small businesses.
Access to the Business Council's Insurance Fund low-cost life, disability, and dental insurance programs designed for small businesses.
And more!

Why The Business Council?

The Business Council represents approximately 3,500 businesses that employ over one million New Yorkers. As the state's leading business advocacy group, we serve our members by fighting for them in the state's political and policy-making arenas while working for a healthier business climate, economic growth, and jobs. Today, about 76% of our members are classified as small businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT CHAMBERS OR BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE PILOT PROGRAM?

At this time, The Business Council of Westchester, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, the Cortlandt Area Chamber of Commerce, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and the Rockland Business Association are participating in the Small Business Membership Alliance.

IS MY BUSINESS ELIGIBLE TO BE A SMALL BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP ALLIANCE (SBMA) MEMBER?

Any New York business with ten or fewer full-time employees that is a member of a local chamber of commerce or non-industry-specific business organization, and your local chamber or organization is an SBMA participating member of The Business Council.

WILL OTHER CHAMBERS AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS PARTICIPATE IN THE FUTURE?

This is a limited pilot program for 2021. We hope to expand the program and offer it to other chambers and non-industry-specific business associations in 2022.

WHAT IS THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH BEING A SBMA MEMBER OF THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF NEW YORK STATE?

There is no cost to be an SBMA member provided the local chamber or membership organization to which you belong is an active dues-paying member of The Business Council of New York State.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT RENEW MY MEMBERSHIP WITH THE LOCAL CHAMBER?

The business will only be an SBMA member of The Business Council of New York State while a dues-paying member of a participating local chamber/membership organization.

WHAT IF A SBMA MEMBER GROWS LARGER THAN 10 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES?

If an SBMA member grows to exceed ten employees, then they would outgrow the SBMA membership. If they wish to continue receiving membership benefits, they can join The Business Council of New York State as a dues-paying member.

WHAT IS THE POLICY ON PROTECTING MEMBER INFORMATION?

The information collected is stored securely and is never sold or distributed to third parties by The Business Council of New York State.

WHAT IS YOUR OPT-OUT POLICY?

Each email sent out from The Business Council of New York State has an unsubscribe/opt-out feature, which will remove the individual from future emails upon being clicked. SBMA members may also opt-out of any contact lists at any time by contacting The Business Council of New York State directly.

WHAT BENEFITS WILL SBMA MEMBERS RECEIVE FROM THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF NEW YORK STATE?

Access to SBMA "members-only" content on our website.
Updates and analysis from the Small Business Committee.
Participation in The Business Council's e-advocacy program to get your voice heard at the State Capitol.
Invitation to Business Council sponsored conferences and events at member pricing.
Free access to the HR/Labor webinar series.
Subscription to all Member Updates.
Subscription to The Connect newsletter.
Discounts on products and services through our affinity partnerships.
Access to The Business Council of New York State, Inc. MEP 401(K) program designed for small businesses.
Access to The Business Council Insurance Fund for low-cost life, disability, and dental insurance programs designed for small businesses.

HOW OFTEN WILL YOU BE SENDING OUT INFORMATION TO THE SBMA MEMBERS?

The Business Council of New York State is sensitive to the amount of information that will be sent to SBMA members. As with any communication schedule, this is subject to change, but routine communication would consist of the following:

Weekly: Member Update.

Quarterly: Connect Newsletter.

As needed: Small Business Committee updates.