Though many aspiring entrepreneurs may wish it were, starting a small business is not a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor. It takes work, perseverance, and for most, a whole lot of elbow grease. For self-employed professionals and small business owners, building something that lasts requires ongoing attention, thoughtful choices, and a willingness to adapt. Success does not arrive overnight. It is shaped over time and takes careful consideration of what you offer and why it matters to the people you want to reach.
Posted on
May 22, 2026
We are Charlene Beach and Bryan Goodman, co-founders of Armadillo Woolery, a Chesapeake, Virginia-based company building PFAS-free, FR-chemical-free Merino wool apparel for first responders and everyday wear. Bryan brings nearly two decades of experience in the fire service and a strong background in firefighter health and safety advocacy. Charlene helps lead the company’s vision, operations, and brand growth. Together, we started Armadillo Woolery to create safer, harder-working clothing after seeing how common textiles can expose firefighters and other workers to unnecessary chemicals. Our mission is simple: protect the people who protect everyone else.
Posted on
May 22, 2026
On April 30th, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order expanding access to retirement savings plans for workers who don’t have access to a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plans. This is particularly relevant for small business employees, part-time workers, independent contractors, and the self-employed.
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, welcomes the launch of Trump IRA accounts as a “bold and necessary step toward closing the retirement savings gap that has long left self-employed Americans behind.” President Donald J. Trump recently signed an Executive Order expanding access to high-quality, low-cost Individual Retirement Accounts, including up to $1,000 in federal matching contributions, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the long-term financial security of America's working entrepreneurs.
Posted on
May 08, 2026
Access to capital remains one of the most critical factors in both opening and sustaining a small business—and continues to be one of the most persistent challenges facing America's self-employed community. As the nation marks both National Small Business Week (May 3 – May 9), and National Small Business Month this May, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, is reaffirming its commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to succeed on the journey to self-employment.
Posted on
May 05, 2026
For many small business owners, growth is often treated as the clearest signal of success. Increased revenue, a growing customer base, and rising visibility can feel like validation that a business is moving in the right direction. Yet for countless entrepreneurs, growth also introduces new complexity—more decisions, higher risk, and greater pressure on time and resources.
At NASE, the National Association for the Self-Employed, we work closely with business owners across the United States, including solo consultants, independent contractors, micro business owners, and multi-generation family businesses. Across industries, one reality remains consistent: growth without intention often undermines the very stability and independence that motivated many individuals to begin starting a business in the first place.
Posted on
Apr 30, 2026
Edwin Jean-Gilles is the Founder and CEO of Aptare AI, an automation and consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses without burnout. With over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, he bridges the gap between complex technology and practical business growth. He specializes in helping solo entrepreneurs, small businesses, and enterprises—from service-based businesses to biotechnology companies—deploy AI voice assistants, chatbots, and workflow automation to capture every opportunity and grow revenue.
Posted on
Apr 30, 2026
One of the most talked-about provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, is the creation of "Trump Accounts" — a new type of tax-advantaged investment account designed to give American children a financial head start. With more than 4 million children already signed up and over 1 million claiming the $1,000 pilot program contribution, the program is gaining serious momentum. Here's what you need to know.
As our nation’s breaks historic growth with over 21+ million new business applications over the last few years, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, announced today $28,000 in Growth Grants to seven local small businesses for the fourth quarter of 2025, including three sponsored by AARP.
Posted on
Mar 30, 2026
Being self-employed presents numerous challenges every day. While the autonomy of self-employment is nice, it isn’t always a walk in the park. From long workdays to even longer work nights, burnout is a high-risk factor. The increased workload only decreases your motivation and energy, putting your productivity at risk.
You might be asking yourself, “How can I prevent burnout, increase momentum, and stay the course while maintaining my composure?”
Posted on
Mar 30, 2026