Why Joining the NSBA Leadership Council Matters to Me and to Maine’s Small Business Community
Authored by Chris Austin, President of Ardiah
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: I’ve recently been named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council. For those who may not know, the NSBA is the nation’s oldest small-business advocacy organization, and they do incredible work to promote policies that help businesses like yours and mine succeed. This is an opportunity not just for me, but for all of us here in Maine, as I’ll be able to represent our unique small business community at the national level.
What Does the NSBA Do?
The NSBA is a nonpartisan advocacy organization that fights for the interests of small businesses across the country. Whether it’s simplifying the tax code, reducing regulatory burdens, or pushing for better access to affordable healthcare, the NSBA has been a driving force in ensuring that the concerns of entrepreneurs aren’t lost in the shuffle. Their Leadership Council is made up of small-business advocates from around the country who work directly with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to shape policies that make a real difference in our day-to-day operations.
Why This Role is So Important
For me, being part of the NSBA Leadership Council means I have a seat at the table where major decisions are being made that impact all of us. I see firsthand, as the President of Ardiah, the challenges small businesses face—whether it’s managing payroll, navigating complex regulations, or finding affordable healthcare options for our employees. Every day, I work with entrepreneurs through Rock Coast Entrepreneurs, and I know how vital it is to have policies that allow small businesses to grow and thrive.
In Maine, small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. We face unique challenges, whether it’s the rising cost of healthcare, limited access to capital, or the complexity of tax laws. These are the exact issues I’ll be addressing as part of the NSBA Leadership Council. It’s a chance to make sure that our voices are heard and that the needs of businesses like ours are represented when new legislation is being proposed.
What I’ll Be Doing as Part of the NSBA Leadership Council
As a member of the NSBA Leadership Council, I’ll be advocating for a range of issues that affect us all, including:
- Tax reform: Simplifying the tax code so small businesses can focus on growing, not paperwork.
- Regulatory restraint: Easing the burden of excessive regulations that cost time and money.
- Healthcare costs: Finding ways to make healthcare more affordable for small businesses and their employees.
- Access to capital: Ensuring that businesses can get the funding they need to grow, especially in rural areas like ours.
This role also gives me the opportunity to connect with other small business leaders from across the country. By working together, we can exchange ideas, tackle common challenges, and bring real solutions back home to Maine. Whether it’s advocating for better access to capital or finding ways to reduce healthcare costs, the Leadership Council is all about making sure small businesses have a seat at the table when Congress is considering key legislation.
My Commitment to Our Community
Those of you who know me know how committed I am to supporting small businesses here in Maine. Through Ardiah, I’ve been able to help companies streamline their operations and overcome the challenges of growth. As the leader of Rock Coast Entrepreneurs, I’ve worked with fellow business owners to foster collaboration and create a support system that helps entrepreneurs at all stages.
Joining the NSBA Leadership Council allows me to take that commitment to the next level. I’ll be able to advocate not just for Ardiah and our local entrepreneurs, but for the entire small-business community across Maine and beyond. My goal is to ensure that the policies being shaped in Washington reflect the realities we face every day—whether that’s dealing with taxes, managing healthcare costs, or navigating regulations.
What This Means for Small Businesses in Maine
Having a voice on the NSBA Leadership Council means that the specific needs of Maine’s small businesses will be part of national conversations. I’ll be pushing for changes that directly affect us—like reducing regulatory barriers and making sure businesses in smaller markets have the same opportunities for growth as those in larger cities.
This isn’t just a win for me; it’s a win for all of us. As part of the NSBA, I’ll be working to make sure our collective small-business message is heard by those who need to hear it most: Congress.
I’m excited to get started and to make sure that our businesses have the resources and support we need to continue growing. If you’d like to learn more about Ardiah and how we help small businesses, check us out at Ardiah.com. And to learn more about the work the NSBA is doing, you can visit NSBA’s website.
Together, we can ensure that the future of small business in Maine—and across the country—remains bright.
Chris Austin
President, Ardiah
About the Author: Chris Austin is passionate about supporting small businesses and is the President of Ardiah, a trusted provider of accounting, payment solutions, POS systems, payroll, and tax services. Chris and his team are dedicated to helping small businesses thrive by delivering tailored solutions and personalized support. If you have a small business support or service need, they would love to help! 207-230-4576 or email: [email protected]