NFIB’s Political Involvement
Over the years, NFIB has grown and developed its political and grassroots programs to be among the most effective and recognized in the business community. Our history of success has made NFIB’s support highly sought after by candidates at all levels of government because they recognize that NFIB’s grassroots network is the key to a successful campaign.
Key elements in NFIB’s involvement in races include:
Educating small business owners and their employees is one of NFIB’s top priorities. This is especially important in heavily-contested races and NFIB works to cut through the clutter and educate and activate small business owners and employees with timely, non-partisan, and accurate voter information. Throughout the election cycle, we provide a comprehensive series of direct voter communications to our members that include where candidates stand on the issues that affect their bottom line, suggestions on how to speak to your employees about elections, and issue briefs.
NFIB understands that running a business is demanding and can prevent business owners from becoming as involved in politics as they would like. That is why NFIB places a major emphasis on helping business owners register to register to vote or confirm their voter registration information is up-to-date before each election. Making the most of early voting and absentee voting options can also be incredibly helpful for business owners and employees to make the voice of small business heard in each election – without being limited to voting on Election Day. NFIB’s voter education materials inform and remind our members about early- and absentee-voting deadlines.
Since its founding in 1943, NFIB has been a grassroots driven organization. We continue to believe that it is the power of individual members, who come together as a whole, that has the largest impact on the elections and policies that affect small business. NFIB emphasizes grassroots mobilization in key races through get-out-the-vote member communications, coordinating volunteer opportunities with endorsed candidates, and deploying NFIB staff to work directly with members, in key states and districts, in the lead up to Election Day.
NFIB recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and in some highly competitive races NFIB extends our advocacy to a much larger audience through mass media campaigns. We have extensive experience with reaching like minded voters through broadcast, online advertising, cable, radio, and newsprint.
In addition to our grassroots and other political advocacy efforts, NFIB provides direct assistance to endorsed candidates through its Federal PAC and state-specific PACs across the nation. NFIB’s PACs provide financial support and create opportunities for candidates to interact with NFIB members. Additionally, NFIB acts as an educational resource for candidates who wish to further their understanding of small business issues and more effectively serve as the voice of small business when elected.