Exclusive Focus on Small Business: NFIB stands for America’s small and independent businesses. This sole focus distinguishes us from other business organizations in the country.
State and Federal Advocacy: NFIB advocates in every state and in Washington, D.C., giving our members a voice in public policy debates on the local, state, and national level.
One Member, One Vote: NFIB members define our work through their responses to our surveys. Each member has an equal say in the policy positions NFIB takes.
NFIB was founded by C. Wilson Harder in 1943 and maintained its headquarters in San Mateo, California, until 1992 when it was relocated to Nashville,TN. Harder began with a home office and sold the first memberships to his neighbors. His vision was to give small and independent business a voice in governmental decision-making through advocacy. Since its early history, NFIB’s agenda has been determined through a one-vote balloting process of its membership. NFIB has grown from Harder’s for-profit entrepreneurial vision in 1943 to the non-profit national association it is today.