Small business

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Table 1.
Range of business association services
Cost
Basic network
Basic individual 
Individual in-depth 
Collective in-depth
Lobbying
services
information services
services
services
Members:
Free?
Reduced?
Full cost?
Non-Members
Free?
Direct cost?
Full cost?
Lunches/dinners
Lectures/seminars
Directories
Newsletters, magazines
Basic contacts/member lists
Signposting
Letters of introduction
Market information
Market reports
Individual contact Enquiries
On-line data base
Market advice (standard
signposting)
Basic legal and tax
information
Guidance on labour law,
insurance, customs, etc.
Standards advice
Fairs, exhibitions
Market research
Contact evaluation in-depth
Negotiation with potential
partners
Financial information and
credit checks
Interpretation/translation
Marketing advice
In-depth legal support,
e.g. arbitration
Tax advice
Documentation and
certification
Trade fairs
Exhibitions
Training
Skill development
Seminars on the
environment
Surveys
Media stories
Advertising
Committee work
Entertainment
Submissions to government

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The major constraint of associations in the SME sector is budgetary – membership fees have to be low.
This is also the main area of intervention for public policy: associations can be supported directly or be
helped to find innovative ways of boosting their revenues other than through membership dues.