The Highland Business Association (HBA) is a proud supporter of women’s entrepreneurship and professional development. Like their male counterparts, females have the intelligence, determination, talent, and ambition to succeed in the business world, but they don’t always have the same opportunities. At the HBA, we represent the interests of all female entrepreneurs in all industries. With assistance from the community and other small businesses in our area, we aim to attract, support, and motivate businesswomen to grow and succeed.

Women play a pivotal role in management. They are not only creative thinkers and hard workers, but they are also influential mentors who empower other women in many different ways. They inspire us to be confident and pursue our dreams on our own terms. With modern tools and resources, women have the ability to break through the glass ceiling and become powerful leaders in the workforce. Today, women account for approximately 30 percent of small-business owners, and that number increases every day.

There’s no doubt that women are a rising force in entrepreneurship in America. Business ownership has many perks, from being your own boss to the opportunity for career advancement beyond what you ever thought possible. While female business owners continue to face some challenges, many are transcending stereotypes and becoming powerful role models in society. There are also a growing number of resources for female business owners that encourage and advocate for woman-driven companies.

The Highland Business Association focuses on assisting our area businesses and community to foster regional prosperity. We encourage both men and women in all industries to join the HBA to make a positive impact that benefits everyone. As a group of community and business leaders, we know the importance of bringing new business to our area and maintaining a flourishing commercial district.

Female business owners not only create jobs that help to sustain them as individuals, but they also contribute to the economic security of their families and the growth of their community. Contact the Highland Business Association today to learn more about membership opportunities and how our organization can benefit your small business.

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Small businesses are a cornerstone of a healthy community. They stimulate the economy by recycling a large share of their revenue back into the local community. They create more jobs locally, allowing friends, family, and neighbors to work closer to home. Small businesses also give towns and villages a sense of community. When you walk into a local small business, you’ll likely be met with a smiling face and a helping hand. The positive impact that small businesses have within communities is invaluable.

Community Involvement

Small businesses give back to the community in a number of ways. Many support local charities, organizations, and schools by donating funds, products, or services. For example, a small business may decide to sponsor a local Little League team. They may also offer their skills or expertise, such as by teaching classes on entrepreneurship to local residents.

Entrepreneurship

Small-business owners are entrepreneurs who seek opportunity and take charge of their future. What entrepreneurship means to many individuals is the chance to become their own boss and move away from low-paying jobs. Owning your own business allows you to control your own destiny. While small business owners take a risk when opening a business, they also reap the rewards.

Diverse Products and Services

Walk into any small business in the area and you’re bound to see something out of the ordinary. One of the best things about small businesses is their diversity. Many offer one-of-a-kind, locally made goods that reflect the unique community setting.

Tax Money at Work

Money paid to the local government by small-business owners is used for a variety of purposes, including the financing of local roads, sidewalks, parks, and public schools. These tax dollars also help to fund other groups in our community, such as public service workers like firefighters and police officers.

Buying and Selling Local

Buying and selling local is key to a flourishing economy. Not only is it important for residents to support small businesses, but it’s also vital for small businesses to support one another. When you choose to buy and sell local, you’re also forming personal connections with other people in your community. These are the very same people who are also invested in the community’s future.

Today, small businesses play a leading role in local social and economic development. Help make our area a thriving place to live, work, and play by becoming a member of the Highland Business Association.

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National business organizations are devoted to the growth and prosperity of their members. Some businesses join for the networking opportunities, while others seek educational and training options offered by many associations. For many small businesses, the chance to attend a local event, workshop, or seminar can make a significant difference in their ongoing success. In addition to local business organizations like the Highland Business Association, there are also numerous business organizations that cater to small businesses on a national level.

National Business Association

The National Business Association has provided small-business owners with the resources they need to succeed since their start in 1982. They offer a variety of cost-saving benefit packages to help support small businesses in the areas of health, business, education, and lifestyle. Benefits range from discounts on business supplies to free access to experienced and accredited financial counselors.

National Association of Women Business Owners

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is made up of more than 5,000 members and 60 chapters spanning across the United States. Members are provided with invaluable resources and entry into some of the country’s most prestigious events. The NAWBO also offers programs to further business education, including leadership development training and an e-learning series.

SCORE Foundation

SCORE is a nonprofit association that provides education and mentorship opportunities to help small businesses get off the ground. With the assistance of more than 11,000 volunteers, the organization is able to provide these services at low or no cost. Confidential business counseling is available in person or via email, and workshops can be found locally or via webinars online. Tools and tips can be found on their website.

National Federation of Independent Business

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is composed of small and independent business owners with a sole mission: to own and grow their businesses. The NFIB holds events and business webinars throughout the year to help guide small businesses to succeed. Events are held in cities across the country and include informative topics like “Branding Your Business.”

National Business Education Association

The National Business Education Association (NBEA) is a leader in business instruction, research, and administration. The NBEA aids its members by providing programs and services designed to enhance professional growth and development through learning. The NBEA hosts an annual convention as well as meetings and conferences in cities all over the globe.

Joining a business organization can expand a company’s business opportunities, allow members to interact with like-minded individuals, and help gain access to money-saving programs. Discover what you could be missing out on!

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Business owners who give back create a positive environment that fosters goodwill within communities. Whether it’s supporting a local charity, sponsoring a special event, or volunteering your services to a school or organization, giving back feels good. There are many ways that small-business owners can get more involved in their community. Here are a few great ways that a small business can make a noticeable impact locally.

Support Local Businesses

Small businesses know how important it is to support one another. One of the best ways to support your fellow businessmen and -women is to buy local. Let’s say you own an eatery that serves sandwiches. Consider purchasing your rolls from a local bakery instead of having them delivered from an out-of-town retailer. Not only is it more convenient and likely cheaper, but you’ll also be serving your customers tasty fresh-baked bread made locally.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsorship opportunities are plentiful in communities across America. For many small businesses, sponsorship is not just an act of charity but also shows a positive return on investment. For example, a business that sponsors a Little League team by providing funding for uniforms not only benefits local youths but also gains valuable exposure and advertising for the business.

Arrange a Donation Drive

Small businesses can make a significant difference in their communities without even leaving their storefront. By setting up a collection box for monetary, food, clothing, or toy donations, you can collect money and/or items that are needed to help families in the community. A business may also want to consider donating by giving a portion of its proceeds to charity.

Teach or Mentor the Public

Business owners have a special skill set and knowledge that they may want to share with others. As an industry leader, consider putting your expertise to good use for public gain. Teach a class on entrepreneurship to local residents, give a lesson on a specialized skill, or mentor youth looking for new work experience in a particular field.

Small-business owners can give back to their community in many ways and are often rewarded for their efforts. Personal involvement with individuals and businesses in your area can help increase your company’s visibility and build a loyal following. Learn more about how you can give back to your community by becoming a member of the Highland Business Association!

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Building customer awareness in a community is crucial for a business’s long-term success. The key to creating strong customer awareness is continually exposing your brand to your target audience. As consumers become familiar with your products or services, word of mouth enhances your visibility, which translates to more sales. Building customer awareness is especially important for small businesses that may not have the capital or connections that larger companies have. Discover different ways to build customer awareness as a small-business owner in your community.

Host a Live Event

Hosting a successful event is an excellent way to boost your brand visibility and attract potential customers. When properly marketed, a local event can gain media attention that helps to get your business’s name out there. During a live event, business owners have the opportunity to interact face to face with consumers. Attendees will also get to see your products or services firsthand.

Use Social Media

More and more small businesses are hopping on the social media bandwagon in an attempt to increase their brand recognition. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are the heavy hitters, but there are many other outlets used for online marketing. These tools are free of charge and offer an effective platform on which small businesses can promote themselves and reach a wider audience.

Unite With Other Businesses

You know the old saying that there’s power in numbers. When small businesses band together to form collaborative relationships, a world of opportunities opens up. When joined together, small businesses can share ideas and engage in practices that help to grow both businesses.

Advertise Locally

Traditional advertising is still highly effective in increasing brand awareness. Get your name out there by advertising in local establishments, in newspapers, or on the radio. Many organizations, such as the Highland Business Association, offer advertising opportunities in the form of live local events and monthly newsletters. Increase the appeal of your marketing by offering discounts on your products or services.

Familiarizing the masses with your brand is not always easy, especially for small-business owners. Fortunately, there are many cost-effective ways to build customer awareness in your community for a more prosperous future. Contact the Highland Business Association today to learn how becoming a member could be advantageous to your small business!

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More and more consumers are moving away from impersonal big-box retailers in favor of local businesses. Our growing community is made up of many small businesses that provide a product or service, often made locally and sold on a smaller scale. As a community, it’s paramount for small-business owners to support one another through partnerships and organized efforts. Let’s use our joint resources to provide ongoing opportunities for our customers to shop local, not just on Small Business Saturday but every day.

Stimulate Economic Growth

When you shop locally, the money that you spend stays within our community. This means that every purchase you make goes toward keeping our local economy thriving. Money spent locally also goes back into the community in the form of new employment opportunities. When jobs are created here, our friends and family are able to find jobs closer to home, cutting back on commute times.

Maintain Quality Over Quantity

While large retailers may have all of the supplies you need in a pinch, shopping locally typically means better-quality products and accommodating customer service. When businesses form relationships with other small businesses in the community, they get to know one another on a personal level. Consumers can also gain access to the products they need more quickly instead of having to wait for them to ship across the country.

Access a More Diverse Inventory

Chain stores may have a large quantity of the same products, but local merchants often have a more diverse selection to choose from. What makes your business unique is the products you carry or the services you offer. To separate yourself from other businesses, it’s important to offer something that you just can’t get at your average chain store.

Serve Foods That Are Fresher

Restaurants, cafes, and other eateries make up a significant chunk of small businesses in our area. When these businesses choose to support local farms and bakeries, they are getting goods that are fresher, healthier, and typically better-tasting. When buying food locally, you may also discover new foods, find creative ways to prepare food, and gain direct access to in-season fruits and veggies.

Buying local has a plethora of advantages beyond mere convenience. When small-business owners make the decision to support one another, it benefits the community as a whole.

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Joining the Highland Business Association comes with many advantages. Through membership, business owners have the opportunity to gain brand awareness and public exposure using numerous mediums, such as networking events and community service projects. Here are just a few reasons local businesses are choosing to join the HBA.

Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter gives news and information to individuals and businesses in the community. With communications about the HBA and its members delivered directly to their inboxes, our readers get firsthand knowledge of upcoming events, projects, and other newsworthy information. When mentioned in one of our newsletters, local businesses gain instant credibility for belonging to a respected business organization.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is essential for businesses of all sizes and in all industries. Learning new skills, staying up to date with industry trends, and gaining new certifications and credentials strengthens your image and increases your company’s efficiency. At the HBA, we encourage continued education and help our members gain access to new opportunities in many ways, such as informative speakers at meetings.

Mixers

Our mixers promote networking and allow our members to talk business with other business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs for their mutual benefit. Mixers provide an effective platform where businesses can increase their visibility, share knowledge, build connections, and find suppliers and solutions to various business problems.

Association Events

At the HBA, we host events throughout the year to better our community and help our members gain exposure through event-based advertising opportunities. Individuals and companies attend our major events year after year to stay informed about local issues, improve the community where they live, or just have fun! Sponsoring one of our community events is an excellent marketing strategy and a great way for members to position their businesses in front of thousands of attendees.

Ceremony

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marks a significant moment in the history of a business. When a business schedules a ribbon-cutting with the HBA, they have the opportunity to familiarize the public and other members with their products and services while also starting to build a strong customer base. Not only can new members gain the benefits of a ribbon-cutting, but businesses that have recently opened, have moved or remodeled, or are celebrating a groundbreaking can also take part.

For area entrepreneurs and business owners, visibility and networking are key to continued success. The Highland Business Association provides its members with all of the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary to succeed.

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