The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council as The Interest Group

If I had the money, time, and resources, the interest group that I would join would be the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council. This type of interest group falls under the business and consumers category. This group is based out of Vienna, VA, which started in the year 1998. Their main focus is to protect small businesses as well as promote entrepreneurship. This group in particular highlights the importance of entrepreneurship, as a means of creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and increasing growth in the economy. Based on the official SBE Council website, it is viewed as an organization that “educate[s] elected officials, policymakers, business leaders and the public about key policies that enable business start-up and growth.”

I fully support this group’s idea and values. I chose this specific interest group because I also support small businesses. I am majoring in business marketing, and have a very special interest in entrepreneurship. Being born and raised in the Silicon Valley, I have been fascinated with seeing great individuals turn their passions and ideas into a business. This creates new and innovative opportunities for others as well. A few of my friends have projects and startups that they have been involved with as well. I have considered opening a small business in the near future.

There are different levels of membership. It is free for small business advocates. For a business start-up, the fee is fifty dollars. Business Council Members has a membership type that costs one hundred dollars. To be a part of the entrepreneurs’ council, the cost is five hundred dollars. The CEO Council is one thousand dollars. There is also a one year complimentary membership.

There are a few benefits to joining this interest group. There is a health care reform and health care and affordability access.

Unfortunately, the official website did not specify on time commitments. It will go into further detail once someone completes the sign up process. It did not include how much time a member would have to devote. I believe it is based on the level of membership.

This interest group has many contributions and achievements. The SBE Council has partnered with the Alternative Small Business Lending Coalition. Their partnership with Lendio has provided lending resources for small business owners. This group was involved with the passing of the Internet Tax Freedom Bill. Also, the SBE Council has ranked the 50 states in the “Small Business Policy Index 2016.” This group also helped lift the ban on crude oil exports.

The website did not got into specific detail about its benefits. Based on the SBE Council website, this group will include an e-newsletter that mentions “legislation, market trends, educational resources, how to tips, and other FREE or low cost training opportunities to help your firm grow and prosper in the competitive business environment.” Also, the website provided information about “cutting-edge and insightful analysis for our members, the media, and elected officials to help target audiences understand the impact of legislation, regulatory proposals, and the Administration’s policies on small business.”

Based on this interest group’s values and actions, it would fall under an interest group that is purposive. This is a purposive interest group because the members are very passionate about the cause. Members have the motivation to join because of the ethical beliefs or ideological principles that the interest group holds.