About Us » Joining the Alliance
Joining the Alliance
10 good reasons to join
1 ESBA's Uniqueness. ESBA is the largest pan-European platform gathering small business organisations based on a free, voluntary (vs. statutory) membership.
2 ESBA's Clarity. ESBA's straightforward philosophy and independence enables it to act effectively on behalf of its members, without the threat of compromise.
3 ESBA's Single Voice. ESBA provides a powerful united voice for its like-minded member organisations vis-à-vis the European Institutions and the Media.
4 ESBA's Network. ESBA's participation in consultations and at meetings and events in Brussels puts its members in contact with the decision-makers that matter.
5 ESBA's Information. ESBA's member organisations enjoy a constantly updated overview of SME-related EU affairs, thanks to its comprehensive Information Package.
6 ESBA's Responsiveness. ESBA regularly sends ad hoc communications to member organisations regarding new EU proposals, which require immediate attention.
7 ESBA's Consultative Approach. ESBA's policy on and response to SME-related issues is developed in cooperation with specialists from its member organisations.
8 ESBA’s Openness. ESBA's activities in Brussels, and its Board Meetings elsewhere, are open to scrutiny and input from all member and associate organisations.
9 ESBA's Capacity-building. ESBA promotes the development of its individual member organisations through its detailed Coaching Programme.
10 ESBA's pro-SME Position. ESBA represents the interests of all SMEs in Europe regardless of affiliation, and often seeks strategic alliances to further their cause.
Who can Join ESBA?
ESBA welcomes both Full Members, Associate Members and Direct Members.
1 Full Members
National associations of small businesses, self-employed, craftsmen and independent professionals
Regional groupings of small businesses, self-employed, craftsmen and independent professionals
Sectorial associations gathering a majority of small businesses, self employed, craftsmen and independent professionals
2 Associate Members
Insurance companies serving the small business sector
Associations and grouping of services companies dealing with SMEs
Banks, which support entrepreneurship and small business activities
Academic and training organisations linked to the small business sector
Any other private and neutral entrepreneurial stakeholder
Think tanks and similar organisations
3 Direct Members
ESBA is currently launching a Direct Membership Scheme for individual SMEs.
The Scheme is in a trial phase. Details of its participants are available here.
For further information, please contact the Brussels Office as indicated below.
How to Join ESBA?
Any request to join should be sent in the first instance to the Brussels Office
|
Address |
European Small Business Alliance |
|
Telephone |
+32 2 639 62 31 |
|
Facsimile |
+32 2 644 90 17 |
|
|
Applicant Full and Associate Members will be asked to fill in a Membership Application Form. This is intended to give more details about the benefits of and conditions for joining ESBA. It also lists the information, which ESBA's Board requires from applicant organisations. Suitable applicants may then be invited to participate in a Board Meeting to present their organisation (its aims, activities, membership, legal status) and will receive full information from ESBA (past reports, planned activities, statutes, internal rules and budget details).
Full membership fees are calculated according to the size of each applicant's membership. Associate members' fees are negotiable above a stated minimum.
Page last updated: 31/01/2008 12:07:01 PM