Small Business Hawaii (SBH) is unique in the U.S. among business and trade associations. It began in order to provide effective advocacy for growing numbers of very small businesses (five employees or less). But SBH accepts within its membership any size business interested in working to improve Hawaii's business climate for all. It is the only completely private, independent, statewide small business association operated entirely by business owners, for business owners. Its influence in business issues, such as, taxation, mandated benefits, health care, privatization and educational partnerships, has crossed America and gone international.

SBH's mission is dedication to promoting a better Hawaii through private, competitive, networked small businesses. SBH aims to foster job creation, reduce taxes, government regulations, and business costs, while promoting, educating, and effectively fighting for Hawaii's small business community.

The organization was founded in 1975 by legendary entrepreneur, Lex Brodie, inside an industrial Kaka'ako tire shop as Lex Brodie's Small Business Association. Incorporated in 1976 as Small Business Association of Hawaii (SBAH), a 501(c) (6) non profit association. Small Business Hawaii (SBH) emerged in 1983.

No existing business organization adequately or aggressively fought for the major concerns of smaller business firms, or the owner-entrepreneur.

The first SBH office was in the historic Brewery Building on Cooke Street. In 1994, after 19 years, SBH left Kaka'ako and moved to Hawaii Kai in East O'ahu.

SBH is Hawaii's recognized leader effectively representing small and growing businesses and strongly supports a commoinality of issues vital to all Hawaii businesses regardless of size. SBH has worked in the State Legislature, City Council and has gone to court successfully to assist small business with Unemployment Compensation and Workers' Compensation issues.

SBH holds many Hawaii firsts, among them: first Hawaii business organization to offer a choice of affordable, comprehensive medical and health plans for small businesses; first business organization on the Internet; first with a Employee Assistance Program (EAP); first with a non-partisan, independent, political action affiliate (PAYCHECKS HAWAII), first with a regular radio and television business series, and first to organize a coalition of local business organizations for legislative issue representation.

Small Business Hawaii neither accepts, nor solicits, any government tax or grant money. Neither does it take a financial interest in any benefit or group program offered.

Reasonable voluntary member dues and private donations support the organization. Active member participation determines its direction - and its effectiveness. A small, professionally-experienced business staff, operates the association and delivers ever-increasing group member benefits to more than 2,000 businesses, and information to the public, throughout Hawaii. The staff is augmented by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and by members who give their time to help others.

SBH operates as any small business and its business owner-members take an active leadership role in the community, working to make positive economic changes. SBH also supports youth organizations and proudly participates with Winners' Camp, Read Aloud America, Junior Achievement of Hawaii and the Hugh O'BrianYouth Foundation, among other organizations. In 1988, it published its free market economic primer, free to all schools, "The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible." Now in its 4th printing, and winner of numerous education awards, the book has been transleted into more that 40 editions worldwide.

SBH is optimistic for the future of the 50th State and is working for change.