PRESS RELEASES

With reports emerging that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiatives, such as proposed layoffs and budget cuts, that could affect the IRS’s ability to process tax returns and issue refunds, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today offered his insights and recommendations for filing 2024 tax returns.

With two-months until this year’s tax filing deadline, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a 5-point filing checklist to help the American public and small business community to prepare, organize and file the most optimized, efficient filing by April 15th deadline. As part of this reminder, NASE highlights new and updated tax policies to the tax code and strategies to filing beneficial returns while encouraging filers that now is the time to “get organized, review updates to the tax code, and file as soon as possible.”

In anticipation of the Trump Administration and the U.S. Congress working together on tax reform this year, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today outlined key changes and updates to the tax code the American public, including small business owners, can take advantage of this year in filing beneficial tax returns. The record-breaking speed of over 20 million small businesses entering the workforce since 2021 signals there are many new and existing small business owners who may not be aware of the tax regulations, changes and updates available to them right now – many of which will help them file beneficial returns this tax season.

As the 119th U.S. Congress kicks-off, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today congratulated the new leadership of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Chair Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Ranking Member Edward Markey (D-MA).

Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today congratulated former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) on being nominated by President-elect Trump as the nation’s next Small Business Administrator where she would lead the nation’s only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small businesses.

With just ten days left of open enrollment for coverage starting on January 1st, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, is urging millions of new and existing small business owners to take advantage of available tools and resources to choose the right health care plan. This year’s open enrollment is particularly significant, with a record number of new entrepreneurs expected to navigate the marketplace exchange for the very first time. The Medicare annual enrollment period ends on December 7th.

As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge with over 19 million new business applications for a third-consecutive year, 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 third quarter of 2024. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP and one by DELL Small Business.

With another year of record-setting growth for America’s small business community, Keith Hall, president and CEO of National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today encouraged the American public to show their support for our nation’s mom-and-pop small businesses and #ShopSmall this Small Business Saturday, November 30th, hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA). According to the 2023 American Express Consumer Insights Survey, “projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17 billion” last year.

As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge with over 19 million new business applications for a third-consecutive year, 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 second quarter of 2024. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP and one by DELL Small Business.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the 2024 Presidential Election over, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today congratulated President-Elect Donald J. Trump on his win while also encouraging the country to come together across all political stripes to address our nation’s challenges.

As the start of health insurance open enrollment approaches this Friday, November 1st, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, is urging millions of new and existing small business owners to take advantage of available tools and resources to choose the right health care plan. This year’s open enrollment is particularly significant, with a record number of new entrepreneurs expected to navigate the marketplace exchange for the very first time. The Medicare annual enrollment period has already begun and runs through December 7th.

The America’s small business community continues to grow at a record-breaking pace, now accounting for 19 million new small business applications since the beginning of the Biden Administration. The news comes on the heels of a new National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) national small business survey indicating 52 percent of respondents are optimistic of their own small businesses’ future, while also identifying the challenges impacting their success, including health care costs and prescription drug prices, taxes and inflation.

A new, national survey of over 650 small and micro business owners released today by the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, finds the state of America’s small business community strong with 52 percent indicating they are optimistic about their own small business’ future, while also indicating they face challenges due to rising Health Care and Prescription Drug Costs (47%), Taxes (46%) and Inflation (45%). The survey also found that 66% of small business owners indicated they view the economy as “fair” or “poor”, suggesting that the challenges have directly impacted their view of the nation’s economic conditions. However, the economic ratings among small business owners tracks better than recent public opinion polling of the general public which finds a 77% (Pew, May 2024) and 79% (Gallup, May 2024) rating the economy either “fair” or “poor”.

As students head to college this upcoming school year, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced it is awarding $15,000 in educational scholarships to five dependents of current NASE members, each granted $3,000 for their academic studies.

Just six months after the announcement that the United States set a record of new small business applications over the last three consecutive years, the nation hit another record-shattering 18.1 million small business applications. Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE),celebrated this today by saying “America’s small business community has never been so powerful, attracting attention and support by policymakers of all political stripes.”

As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge of new business openings for a third-consecutive year, 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 first quarter of 2024. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP and one by DELL Small Business.

With the April 15th tax return filing deadline quickly approaching, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today offered the following advice for those who have not yet filed their 2023 tax return.

With five weeks until this year’s tax filing deadline, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a 5-point filing checklist to help the American public and small business community to prepare, organize and file the most optimized, efficient filing by April 15th deadline. As part of this reminder, NASE highlights new and updated tax policies to the tax code and strategies to filing beneficial returns while encouraging filers to “get organized, review updates to the tax code, and file as soon as possible.”

As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge of new business openings for a third-consecutive year, 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 2023. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP and one by DELL Small Business.

In advance of next week’s State of the Union Address, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today outlined four top small business policy priorities where both Congress and the Administration can work together in a bipartisan way to support the record-breaking, surge of small business owners.

As a record number of new small business applications recorded over the last three consecutive years, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today encourages all Americans, including those in the small business community, to “prepare early, gather documents, and review updates and reminders to this year’s tax system, including tax obligations, responsibilities, and deductions filers need to be aware of for their 2023 tax returns.”

With the Administration’s announcement that the United States has set a new record of 16 million new small business applications over the last three consecutive years, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), today celebrated this milestone by commenting that “America’s small business community kicks off the new year with a record trend in new small businesses – with entrepreneurs who want more control over their own lives and to be their own boss.”

With record surges in small business start-ups over the last few years, including a substantial increase in older American’s seeking a second career in retirement, Keith Hall, president and CEO of National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today applauded a suite of new approaches to retirement offering small business owners enhanced financial stability, flexibility and increased savings opportunities.

As a major advocate for bipartisan legislation in Congress to relieve the burden of a new law requiring 1099-K reporting requirements for small businesses and solo-entrepreneurs engaging in the online marketplace, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) the announcement by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) delaying the reporting requirement for third-party platform payments for the 2023 tax returns.

As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge with more American’s choosing to open their own small business than ever before, 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 third quarter of 2023. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP, and one by DELL Small Business.

With every state in the country on track this year to set another year of record-breaking small business startups, Keith Hall, president and CEO of National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, celebrates Small Business Saturday this weekend by applauding the community’s continuing historic growth.

A new report released by the BambooHR Employee Happiness Index shows employee satisfaction at work continues to erode in the third quarter of 2023 except among employees working at America’s smallest companies who are the happiest in the nation. As reported yesterday by Axios, the study finds scores around, “happiness at work remain relatively high among small business employees, BambooHR notes — 11 points higher on the Employee Happiness Index compared with the average among all companies.”

With a week before the start of health insurance open enrollment, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, is encouraging millions of self-employed small business owners – including the skyrocketing number of new entrepreneurs who may be buying on the marketplace exchange for the first time - to utilize the available tools and resources to select a plan that works best for their needs.

As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge with more American’s choosing to open their own small business than ever before, 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 second quarter of 2023. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP, one by DELL Small Business, and one by Payanywhere.

Today, Keith Hall, president and CEO National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, reacted to the Yelp Economic Average report released this week showing, “2023 US business openings on track to beat last year’s all-time high.”

As students prepare to head to college for the upcoming school year, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the awarding of $15,000 in educational scholarships to five dependents of current NASE members, each awarded $3,000 for their studies.

With a record-breaking surge of over 10 million new small business applications to the Small Business Administration in the course of the last few years, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today applauded the American small business community’s perseverance and determination for choosing to step out on their own instead of traditional W-2 employment.

As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge with more American’s choosing to open their own small business than ever before, 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 first quarter of 2023. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP, and one by DELL Small Business.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, and Payanywhere, a payment solutions company, today are proud to announce the sponsorship of the May $4,000 Growth Grant, which will be awarded during the second quarter of 2023 designed to help small businesses grow and expand their business operations.

As the American small business community celebrates National Small Business Week from April 30th through May 6th, Keith Hall, president and CEO National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today applauded our nation’s smallest businesses for the record breaking pace of new small business applications submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA) over the course of the last two years.

With one final weekend remaining before Tuesday’s 2022 tax return filing deadline, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, is encouraging all tax return filers and small business owners who have yet to file to capitalize on these last remaining days.

With just weeks until 2022 tax return filing deadline April 18th, Keith Hall, president and CEO of National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), penned a guest piece in Inc.com about critical tax filing advice reminding the American public, including the small business community, about important changes, updates and reminders this tax season. Most Americans, including those in the self-employed demographic, file their return in the individual rate.

As the American small business community continues to grow and expand, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, will participate in Entrepreneurship Exchange 2023 (EX23), hosted by the Small Business Roundtable, in London, UK on Thursday, March 16th.

As our nation’s small business community continues its record-breaking surge with more American’s choosing to open their own small business than ever before, 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 2022. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP, and one by DELL Small Business.

As the American public – including our nation’s smallest business community – prepare to file their annual tax returns due on April 18th, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, encouraged filers to be aware of the recent IRS recommendations about the impact of 2022 state special refunds and take advantage of all available deductions on this year’s returns.

With just two months until this year’s tax return filing deadline of April 18th, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a 5-point filing checklist to help the American public get organized in meeting the deadline.

 As President Joseph Biden prepares to give his State of the Union address to a Joint Session of Congress tonight, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, is available for comment.

With Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) being named Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today applauded the appointment by saying “Senator Ernst will be a strong voice for the American small business community.”

As the public, including the record-breaking millions of Americans who started their own small business over the last two years, look ahead to the 2022 tax filing season, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, encourages all Americans to “prepare early, gather documents, and review updates and reminders to this year’s tax system.”

As more Americans step out on their own to start their own new small business, Keith Hall, president and CEO of National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), today offered 2023 predictions for the small business community in an article in Forbes saying: “the small business community is still in ‘repair and recovery’ mode” now entering the third year of the pandemic. “Regardless of what side of the aisle you are on, the one thing the pandemic taught us was we need a strong and thriving small business community if our economy is going to grow into the future.”

With the recent news from the Small Business Administration (SBA) on current Census Bureau Data showing a record-shattering pace of new small business applications over the last two years, Keith Hall, president and CEO of National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), today reacted with pride calling it a “entrepreneurial trend highlighting American ingenuity and perseverance.”

As a record number of Americans choose self-employment by opening their own small business over traditional W-2 employment, 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 third quarter of 2022. Today’s announcement also includes three Growth Grant awards sponsored by AARP, and one by DELL Small Business.

With this Saturday designated as Small Business Saturday – November 26th, Keith Hall, president and CEO of National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today applauded the spirit and ingenuity of America’s small business community encouraging the American public to shop local.

As the small business community continues to recover from the COVID pandemic, 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 $16,000 in Growth Grants to four local small businesses for the second quarter of 2022. Today’s announcement also includes a partnership with both DELL Small Business and Payanywhere, both who have each generously sponsored one $4,000 Growth Grant awards.

Today, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) and AARP are announcing a strategic collaboration to support the growth and expansion of older entrepreneurs in the American small business community, particularly businesses owned and operated by people of color. NASE and AARP are joining forces through the Growth Grants Program to support the expansion of available capital and business expertise to support the long-term success of these business owners.

As students prepare to head to college for the upcoming school year, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the awarding of $15,000 in educational scholarships to five dependents of current NASE members, each awarded $3,000 for their studies.

As reported this morning in Axios DC, and recently in The Washington Post, in 2021 over 262,000 new small business license applications in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia represent a huge increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, showing a continuing national shift to self-employment and entrepreneurship. Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, offered the following comment on the news suggesting “the Great Resignation has become the Be Your Own Boss movement, and reflects a national trend and a trend that we expect to continue.”

As the small business community continues to recover from the COVID pandemic, 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 $16,000 in Growth Grants to four local small businesses for the first quarter of 2022. Today’s announcement also includes a partnership with DELL Small Business who generously has sponsored $4,000 for one of the Growth Grant awards.

As the small business community continues to recover from the COVID pandemic, 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 $16,000 in Growth Grants to four local small businesses for the fourth quarter of 2021. Today’s announcement also includes a partnership with DELL Small Business who generously has sponsored $4,000 for one of the Growth Grant awards.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, is proud to announce today its new partnership with Payanywhere, a payment solutions company. Payanywhere will sponsor the June $4,000 Growth Grant awarded during the third quarter of 2022 designed to help small businesses grow and expand their business operations.

With a surge in new small business startups over the last two years that are reshaping the face of the American workforce, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, is drawing attention to the importance of recognizing this year’s National Small Business week to celebrate these new entrepreneurs who have joined a robust business demographic.

With 2021 tax filing deadline for most Americans on Monday, April 18th, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today asked: “Are you ready to file your 2021 tax return? If the answer is yes – great! But if you need more time, file an extension now to avoid penalties.”

With just three weeks until the 2021 tax filing deadline and expected delays at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today encouraged the American public and the small business community to “finalize 2021 tax returns to avoid any further delays to any expected refunds.”

With just weeks until the 2021 filing deadline and expected delays at the Internal Revenue Service, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, encourages small business owners and the American public at-large to “prepare now by gathering your documents and reviewing key policies and updates to the tax code to ensure you file beneficial returns and avoid any further delays to any expected refunds.”

With new U.S. Census data from the Biden Administration “Americans are applying to start new businesses at a record rate, up about 30 percent compared to before the pandemic,” Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today responded it illustrates “the true entrepreneurial spirt of America.”

As the American small business community continues to recover from the Coronavirus pandemic entering its third year, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today applauded the American small business community's perseverance and determination throughout the pandemic, while the community experiences a surge in solo entrepreneurship.

With the news from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) there may be delays in processing 2021 tax returns and in response opening of the tax season two weeks earlier on January 24th, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today offered the following advice for the American public and the nation’s small business community in filing this year’s tax returns on time:

As the small business community continues to recover from the COVID pandemic, 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 $16,000 in Growth Grants to four local small businesses for the third quarter of 2021. Today’s announcement also includes a partnership with DELL Small Business who generously has sponsored $4,000 for one of the Growth Grant awards.

Data from the Labor Department reported in The Wall Street Journal indicates there has been a significant surge among new entrepreneurs into the self-employment workforce. The report states: “The pandemic has unleashed a historic burst in entrepreneurship and self-employment. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are striking out on their own as consultants, retailers and small-business owners.”

With this Saturday designated as Small Business Saturday – November 27th, Keith Hall, president and CEO of National Association for the Self-Employed, the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today called on all Americans to celebrate the community by shopping locally with America’s small businesses.

The self-employed workforce has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Pew Research Study conducted earlier this month, stronger than other parts of the workforce. American small business community continues to adapt and innovate throughout the ongoing pandemic. It has radically shifted the state of the American small business community, transforming the way we do business and has shaped a new, post-pandemic economy.

Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today released the following statement on the House passage of the bipartisan infrastructure package.

As millions of America’s smallest businesses slowly try to recover from the economic impact of the Covid crisis, the National Association for the Self-Employed, the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today voiced it’s strong opposition to a proposed, new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reporting requirement that would greatly impact the small business community. The rule would be costly, invade the privacy of Americans, and also add another burdensome layer of regulations unfairly targeting American small businesses.

With the U.S. Small Business Administration celebrating National Small Busines Week this week, Monday, September 13th – Wednesday, September 15th, the National Association for the Self-Employed, the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today saluted America’s entrepreneurs by encouraging all of America to show their support this week by shopping local along our nation’s Main Street’s.

With the small business community beginning the slow recovery from the devastating COVID pandemic, 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 $16,000 in Growth Grants to four local small businesses for the second quarter of 2021. Today’s announcement also includes a partnership with DELL Small Business who generously has sponsored $4,000 for one of the Growth Grant awards.

With the delta variant surging and small business confidence struggling, the American small business community continues to adapt and innovate throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It has radically shifted the state of the American small business community, transforming the way we do business and has shaped a new, post-pandemic economy.

With Senate passage of the bipartisan infrastructure deal today, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today encouraged our policy makers in the House to continue the bipartisan work to date on the package:

As students head to college for the upcoming school year, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the awarding of $15,000 in educational scholarships to five dependents of current NASE members.

Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today encouraged Congress to continue moving forward on an infrastructure deal.

New data from University of Maryland economists shows new businesses starting up in 2020 hit a record high even during a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when at the same time, thousands of existing small businesses closed their doors. Emerging from the pandemic has radically shifted the state of the American small business community, transforming the way we do business and has shaped a new, post-pandemic economy.

Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today applauded both the Administration and Congress for their bipartisan deal reached on infrastructure.

With the small business community beginning the slow recovery from the devastating COVID pandemic, 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 $12,000 in Growth Grants to three local Florida, Texas and New York businesses for the first quarter of 2021. Today’s announcement also includes a partnership with DELL Small Business who generously has sponsored $4,000 for the January Growth Grant award.

In response to recent anti-trust legislation introduced in Congress designed to reign in big tech companies, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today expressed concern these “potentially harmful measures will impact the ability for Americans of ‘going it alone’ and ‘being their own boss,’ by threatening solo entrepreneurs, startup companies, and small businesses from forming as they require and depend on tech platforms to not only open their new business, but also conduct activities on these tech platforms.”

As small businesses look to open back up and recover fully from the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, and Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) announced today a generous sponsorship of the May $4,000 Growth Grant designed to help small businesses grow and expand.

Following the recent violence against the Asian American community, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, released the following statement strongly condemning the hatred and violence against the community:

As the American Rescue Plan heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for final passage, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today released a new survey of its membership about the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) indicating an overwhelming majority of these owners of businesses with fewer than 10 employees believe the government should do more for the American small business community.

The Biden Administration today has released new eligibility rules and reforms to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) that will impact the small business community. Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today applauded the decision saying:

As the American small business community prepares to file their 2021 tax returns amid the devastating coronavirus pandemic, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a list of updates and tips for filing returns this year reminding small employers that “PPP loans up to $150,000 will be forgiven and will not be counted as taxable income.”

Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today reacted to President-elect Joe Biden’s $1.9 Trillion COVID rescue package and the impact it will have on American small businesses:

Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today welcomed the announcement of Isabel Guzman as the Biden Administration’s Administrator-designee of the Small Business Administration (SBA), saying she will be charged with the “awesome task of rebuilding the small business community.”

The National Association for the Self-Employed, the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following statement from Keith Hall, president and CEO, commenting on the small business support included in the bipartisan COVID relief bill calling it “critical holiday relief”

The National Association for the Self-Employed, the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following comments regarding Apple’s new AppTracking Transparency Policy

Three small businesses have been awarded a total of $12,000 in Growth Grants from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community. These small businesses were announced as third quarter 2020 Growth Grant recipients. July’s Growth Grant was generously sponsored by DELL Small Business. Last year, NASE awarded $48,000 in grants to small businesses across the country and expects to do so again this year.

With this Saturday designated as Small Business Saturday – November 28, 2020, the National Association for the Self-Employed, the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today called on all Americans to shop local and show their support for America’s small businesses.

The National Association for the Self-Employed, the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today applauded the Small Business Administration and the Department of Treasury for announcing a simplified loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under $50,000, but called on both sides of the aisle to come back to the negotiating table immediately to provide relief for small businesses hurting throughout America.

As the small business community celebrates National Small Business Week this week, the National Association for the Self-Employed, the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, together with major small business groups and their allies are calling on Congress to pass a Small Business Relief Package.

With the mission of supporting the small business community, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced that Dell (NYSE: DELL), an American multinational technology company headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, will sponsor the association’s Growth Grant program in July. The Dell Business Development grant will help support small businesses across the country. Dell previously supported the small business community by sponsoring the April Growth Grant from NASE.

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic having impacted the small business community, the Trump Administration announced last March that the U.S. Treasury and IRS extended both the tax filing deadline and any tax payments to July 15th. Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, warned those who have not yet filed their 2019 tax returns to “file your 2019 tax returns and pay any required tax by the upcoming July 15th tax deadline.”

As the government’s small business aid program, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), comes to a close on June 30th, Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, “encourages all small businesses and self-employed workers to apply before the deadline of June 30th.”

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today supported new provisions in a revised government aid program in the CARES ACT, the Paycheck Protection Program.

With the novel coronavirus impacting small business community, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) today highlighted the survey results of the State of Small Business Report conducted by the Small Business Roundtable and Facebook, which indicates that small and medium-sized businesses in the United States are being hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. NASE has also developed a COVID-19 Resource Page for the small business community outlining helpful information.

Six small businesses have been awarded a total of $24,000 in Growth Grants from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community. These small businesses were announced as third and fourth quarter 2019 Growth Grant recipients. Last year, NASE awarded $48,000 in grants to small businesses across the country and expects to do so again in 2020.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced a partnership with MetLife to offer current and future NASE members a new association member benefit of accident insurance.

As the coronavirus continues to impact the small business community, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced that Dell (NYSE: DELL), an American multinational technology company headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, will sponsor the association’s Growth Grant program in April. The Dell Business Development grant will help support small businesses across the country. The association has also developed the NASE COVID-19 resource page for its members and other small businesses seeking additional help for the small business community.

As the U.S. Congress prepares to approve its third phase stimulus package, “Keeping American Workers Employed and Paid Act,” the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today welcomed the financial relief for the small business community, including provisions for the self-employed and gig-economy workers. NASE also encouraged policymakers to include language supporting all classifications of non-profits as the process moves forward.

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacting every sector of our economy, the Trump Administration has just announced that the U.S. Treasury and IRS will extend both the April 15th tax filing deadline and any tax payments by 90 days to July 15th this year on up to $1 million in income. In reaction, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, welcomed the relief, but also encouraged the small business community to aim to “complete and file your 2019 tax returns by the original April 15th deadline, if possible, but know more time is available if you need it or are impacted by COVID-19.” NASE has developed a COVID-19 resource page for small businesses impacted by the virus.

With two-months until the deadline to file 2019 tax returns, Keith Hall, the president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, encourages small business owners to “start preparing now by gathering your documents and reviewing key policies and updates to the tax code intended to make filing returns simpler, more efficient and beneficial.”

In advance of President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union Address tomorrow before a joint session of Congress, Keith Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) published an op-ed in The Hillnewspaper outlining, “Seven Ways Trump and Congress Can Boost Small Business.”

As millions of Americans make the change from employment to self-employment by choosing to become freelancers and solo entrepreneurs, Keith Hall, NASE President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) today releases a national self-help guide for new freelancers to consider when making the transition to self-employment. As a contributing partner to Mediaplanet’s Future of Work campaign distributed through USA Today, the campaign highlights a “new work culture that prioritizes employee well-being and balance, embraces flexibility as remote work becomes more popular, and offers resources and protections for a growing freelance workforce.”

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today applauded the confirmation of Jovita Corranza as the new Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a spending bill, expected to be signed into law by President Trump, which includes the SECURE Act, also known as the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019.” Keith Hall, President and CEO the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, applauded both the House and Senate for acting on the bipartisan measure representing the biggest change to America’s retirement system in over a decade.

With Small Business Saturday being celebrated this Saturday, November 30, 2019, Keith Hall, NASE President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) today offered the following comments applauding the entrepreneurial spirit of America’s small businesses across the country.

Tomorrow, November 1st, open enrollment for the nation’s health insurance marketplace will officially open for those small businesses looking to purchase policies for 2020. A recently proposed rule from the Federal Register, introduces changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the nation’s healthcare law, which has resulted in new benefit and payment parameters for 2020 that will likely impact America’s small business and self-employed community. Provisions of the proposed rule impacting both current and future health care and Medicare beneficiaries could affect eligibility, enrollment, and coverage details.

Three small businesses have been awarded a total of $12,000 in Growth Grants from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community. These small businesses were announced as the fourth quarter 2018 Growth Grant recipients. In 2018, NASE handed out a total of $48,000 in grants to small businesses from across the country.

With tightening budgets and college students heading off to school to start the fall semester, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the awarding of $12,000 in educational scholarships to four dependents of current NASE members.

This afternoon at 3:30 pm (ET), Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, has been invited to attend a White House Rose Garden ceremony announcing an expansion of Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) granting greater flexibility and allowing employers to assist employees in using HRA’s to pay for health insurance coverage.

Today, Keith Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of theNational Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, released the following statement applauding leaders in both parties for the congressional passage of the Taxpayer First Act, bipartisan legislation to overhaul and modernize the Internal Revenue Service:

As the U.S. House passes the SECURE Act, also known as the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019,” Keith Hall, President and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today warned of a “looming crisis” of retirement security and encouraged the federal government to “streamline and expand retirement savings opportunities” regardless of employment structure.

As the U.S. House prepares to vote on the SECURE Act, also known as the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019,” Keith Hall, President and CEO the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today warned of a “looming crisis” of retirement security and encouraged the federal government to “streamline and expand retirement savings opportunities”regardless of employment structure.

In recognition of National Small Business Week – a week dedicated to recognizing and honoring the outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners located across all 50 states and U.S. territories – which runs from Sunday, May 5th through Saturday, May 11th, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, “applauded the entrepreneurial spirit of our nation’s small businesses who help strengthen our nation’s economy every day.”

This Sunday, May 5th, marks the start of National Small Business Week, a week dedicated to recognizing and honoring the outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners located across all 50 states and U.S. territories.

With the 2018 tax filing deadline approaching tonight at midnight, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, is encouraging small business owners who have yet to file to capitalize on these last remaining hours – and file a last-minute extension if necessary.

Only one final weekend remains before Monday’s 2018 tax filing deadline and the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, is encouraging small business owners who have yet to file to capitalize on these last remaining days.

With two-weeks to go until the April 15th tax filing deadline, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released a list of seven last-minute tips for filing accurate returns and reducing tax liability.

As millions of small businesses contemplate retirement options during tax filing season, Keith Hall, President and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, is scheduled to testify this Wednesday before the House Small Business Committee about the challenges and opportunities small business owners face when making decisions about their retirement.

After a record-setting government shutdown that affected America’s small business community, including millions of self-employed and micro-businesses, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) is encouraging entrepreneurs to start preparing now for filing this year’s tax returns.

As President Donald J. Trump addresses Congress during his State of the Union Address, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today offered the following reaction urging the Administration and new Congress to work together to continue to improve the small business climate in the United States.

Today marks the official start of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) income tax filing season as the government reopens and thousands of IRS employees report back to work after a month long government shutdown. The uncertainty of how the new tax reform law will impact small businesses’ bottom-lines, coupled with delays in getting questions answered around new guidance guidelines and the potential for refund checks being held up has entrepreneurs bracing.

Today, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, applauded the introduction new bipartisan small business tax legislation, the Small Business Owners’ Tax Simplification Act of 2019, which aims to “provide small business owners with much needed clarity as they navigate the complex United States tax code by updating the code to reflect both technological advancements and modern business models.”

As the partial government shutdown enters its 24th day – now officially the longest government shutdown in history – small businesses across the country are feeling the effects of the shutdown resulting in unnecessary uncertainty at the start of a new fiscal year. Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, called on Congress and the White House to work together to end the shutdown on behalf of America’s small business community.

As the partial government shutdown enters its fourth week, small businesses across the country are starting to feel the effects of the shutdown resulting in unnecessary uncertainty at the start of a new fiscal year. Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, called on Congress and the White House to work together to end the shutdown on behalf of America’s small business community.

As millions of Americans, including those in the small business community, consider their 2019 health care options, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), today warns of the approaching deadline to enroll in a health care plan or change current plans. The current open enrollment period ends on Saturday, December 15th.

Ahead of this weekend’s Small Business Saturday, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) today released the results of a new, post-2018 midterm election poll of entrepreneurs showing that small business owners want the 116th Congress to address health care and are fearful of the negative impact the new Congress could have on tax reform.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today offered the following response to the midterm elections and urged bipartisan cooperation in the 116th Congress on key small business issues in the coming year.

Today, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, applauded the Trump administration's release of new rules offering Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) flexibility and allowing employers to help their workers buy individual insurance coverage.

In honor of October’s National Women’s Small Business Month and the 30thAnniversary of groundbreaking legislation, H.R. 5050, also known as the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, recognizes the powerful role women entrepreneurs play in helping our nation’s economy grow and prosper.

With back-to-school season upon us, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the awarding of $12,000 in educational scholarships to four dependents of current NASE members.

Six small businesses have been awarded a total of $24,000 in Growth Grants from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community. These small businesses were announced as first and second quarter 2018 Growth Grant recipients. Throughout 2018, NASE will hand out a total of $48,000 in grants to small businesses from across the country.

Today, National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, offered the following statement on President Trump’s signing of an executive order said to be opening multiple employer plans (MEPs) to small businesses and “expand(ing) access to workplace retirement savings plans for American workers.”

After last week’s Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair overturning a previous ruling which made much of the internet a tax-free zone, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, is calling on Congress to act immediately to protect the livelihood of millions of self-employed and micro-business owners across the country:

With the new tax reform law turning 6-months old this week, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, is available to discuss the new law and what it takes for Americans, including small businesses, to understand and make it work for them. Keith Hall is also a tax accountant himself.

As President Trump and congressional Republicans travel around the country touting the impact of the tax reform package enacted last year, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a new, national member survey gauging the impact the tax reform law is having on small business owners days after making their first 2018 quarterly tax estimate payments.

With just two-weeks until the tax filing deadline of April 17th, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released a list of seven last-minute tips for filing accurate returns and reducing tax liability.

As millions of American’s, including the small business community, prepare their 2017 tax filings, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a list of important tips and resources for filing accurate returns, including updates to the tax code and ways to reduce tax liability.

As President Donald Trump delivers his first State of the Union Address tonight, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released the following statement applauding “the simplification of the tax overhaul while encouraging further tax relief for America’s small business community.”

As Congress continues to debate the tax proposals released earlier this month, Keith Hall, President and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE),the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, will join Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and other business leaders today as part of a roundtable on tax reform before the United States Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship.

Keith Hall, President and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, offered the following comments as the House of Representatives votes today on its tax proposal:

Keith Hall, President and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, issued the following statement in reaction to today’s release of the Senate GOP tax proposal:

Keith Hall, President and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, issued the following statement in reaction to today’s release of the House GOP tax proposal:

As health care’s open enrollment season kicks off this week, small business experts are available to discuss what entrepreneurs and the small business community need to know during this critical time.

Yesterday, bipartisan legislation was introduced in the United States Senate to create a new tier of coverage, commonly referred to as a “Copper Plan,” under the Affordable Care Act and making health insurance more accessible and affordable for America’s small business community.

he National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today applauded the Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) provisions of today’s Promoting Healthcare Choice and Competition Across the United States Executive Order signed by President Trump.

Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, applauded the tax framework developed by the White House and Republican leaders as reported earlier today by The Washington Post:

As back to school season approaches and college students across the country prepare to pay steep college tuition fees, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the awarding of $12,000 in educational scholarships to four dependents of current NASE members.

With this morning’s release of the Senate Republican Health Care legislation, Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, issued the following statement:

Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today applauded an effort by Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL), chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Policy, to overturn the Obama Administration’s Fiduciary Rule.

With news that Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta will allow the fiduciary rule to take effect June 9, 2017, Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following statement:

As the House of Representatives votes on the American Health Care Act, Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released the following statement:

In response to President Trump’s release today of his tax reform proposal, Keith Hall, President and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released the following statement:

With just two-weeks until the tax filing deadline of April 18th, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released a list of changes and adjustments to the tax code along with important tips and resources for filing accurate returns and ways to reduce their tax liability.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, announced Intuit (Nasdaq: INTU), maker of products that support the self-employed community such as QuickBooks Self-Employed and TurboTax Self-Employed, will sponsor the organization’s Growth Grant program helping support small businesses across the country.

With news that House Republications have offered their first blueprint for replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following statement:

With news that House Republications have offered their first blueprint for replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following statement:

Millions of American small businesses and taxpayers only have a little over a month before the deadline on April 18th to file this year’s tax returns. In preparation, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a list of changes and adjustments to the tax code along with important tips and resources for filing accurate returns and ways to reduce their tax liability.

As President Trump Addresses a Joint Session of Congress, Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released the following statement applauding the optimistic tone of strengthening health care and the economy, while urging the president to work with Congress on legislation:

With two months until the April 18th tax-filing deadline, it is never too early to start preparing your 2016 tax returns. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a list of helpful tips for filing accurate and beneficial tax returns for small business owners and the American public. The tips released today by NASE are focused on helping taxpayers maximize opportunities for saving money and minimizing errors.

As the United States Congress debates the future of the health care system, Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, will testify on Tuesday, February 7th before the House Committee on Small Business about the challenges and opportunities in health care.

As President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares to take the oath of office of President of the United States tomorrow, Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses released the following statement encouraging the new president to “work with the small business community and across the aisle to find common ground in making our economy stronger.”

As the U.S. Congress begins initial legislative actions to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses is available to discuss how best Congress should move forward with the replace process the health care law.

As the 115th Congress convenes today, Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, published the below open letter calling for bipartisan support for the small business community to help strengthen the nation’s economic engine, by specifically addressing the areas of health care, regulatory evaluation and tax reform.

With the “21st Century Cures Act” signed into law, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, applauded the inclusion of a provision that allows small businesses with less than 50 employees to offer Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) without penalty.

Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs at the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Linda McMahon as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The U.S. Senate passed legislation today allowing small businesses with less than 50 employees to offer Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) without penalty. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, applauded today’s bipartisan vote and encouraged President Obama to sign the "21st Century Cures Act" into law. The House passed the legislation last week.

The United States House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation today by a vote of 392 to 26 allowing small businesses with less than 50 employees to offer Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) without penalty. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, applauded today’s bipartisan vote calling it, “a step in the right direction towards ensuring our nation’s healthcare system works for all Americans.”

As President-elect Trump outlines an agenda for his first 100 days in office, Katie Vlietstra, Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation's leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, encourages the administration to focus on key small business issues in a new op-ed published in The Hill for Small Business Saturday

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today applauded the emergency injunction over the Department of Labor’s Overtime Rule.

With this weekend’s upcoming Small Business Saturday – a national day established to support small businesses across the country – the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, released the following statement “encouraging Americans from coast to coast to support their local Mom and Pop small businesses because they are the heart of the American workforce.” “Millions of sm

As President-Elect Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans meet to outline an agenda for the first 100 days of a new administration, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, is urging swift action on a range of small business issues ranging from health care to regulatory evaluation and tax reform.

With news from the Obama Administration that the silver-level plan insurance premiums in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will rise by 25 percent next year, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following statement rebuking the announcement.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today voiced its support for a set of new small business tax proposals released by the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign. Specifically, the small business standard business deduction will go a long way in reducing the complexities small businesses face in completing their tax returns.

As back to school season approaches and first year college students across the country prepare to pay steep college tuition fees, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the awarding of $12,000 in educational scholarships to four dependents of current NASE members.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today voiced its strong support for the Overtime Reform and Enhancement Act, a bill that will update the overtime rules while allowing universities, non-profits, and businesses the necessary time to be able to plan and comply with the new rule.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today called on members of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means to take swift action by approving the H.R. 5447, Small Business Health Care Relief Act, thereby sending it to the full House floor for consideration.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following statement in reaction to new overtime rules from the Department of Labor by expressing “deep concern the rule will hurt small business growth and employees in the long-run”

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, in partnership with American University’s Kogod Tax Policy Center, today released the results of a new, small business survey focused on participation in the sharing economy (which includes platforms such as Uber, Etsy, Lift, AirBnB, among many others).

With just a week until the April 18th tax filing deadline, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a list of 9 top helpful tax tips for filing beneficial and accurate tax returns.

With under a month before the April 15th tax filing deadline, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released guidance on how small business owners can deduct health insurance premiums on their 2015 tax returns.

As millions of American small businesses and taxpayers prepare their 2015 tax returns, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a list of changes, adjustments and reminders to the tax code along with important tips and resources for filing accurate returns, in addition to some creative ways to reduce the tax they pay.

With two months until the April 15th tax-filing deadline, it is never too early to start preparing your 2015 tax returns. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released helpful tips for filing accurate and beneficial tax returns for small business owners and the American public. The tips released today by NASE are focused on helping taxpayers maximize opportunities for saving money and minimize errors.

Connect Lending, an online platform for matching commercial lenders to small business owners, and 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 the formation of a new partnership tailored to better serve the business funding needs of NASE members. This agreement provides NASE members with access to a wide range of national commercial lenders experienced in providing self-employed business owners with diverse financing opportunities.

As President Barack Obama delivers his final State of the Union Address, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, applauds him for making the small business community an important part of his address tonight: two small business owners are guests in the First Lady’s box, Mark Davis of Washington, D.C. and Ronna Rice of Greeley, CO.

Three small businesses have been awarded $12,000 in Growth Grants from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community. Earlier this year, NASE announced they would be expanding their Growth Grant program to award over $48,000 in small business grants in 2015, an increase from the $20,000 awarded in 2014. Click here to visit the NASE Growth Grants page and view the third quarter and all other past award winners in 2015.

As negotiations continue in the U.S. Congress on a potential compromise around a package of expired tax breaks, the small business community is calling on Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) to include the critical “Small Business Healthcare Relief Act” as part of the compromise.

Ahead of this week’s Small Business Saturday – a national day established to support small businesses across the country – the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, unveiled a new infographic highlighting the economic power of America’s small business community.

From navigating the complex tax code to retirement savings and affordable health care, small business owners encounter a myriad of challenges to operating a successful business. In order to help America’s entrepreneurs succeed, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) announced today a new partnership with Abounding Business Conference 2016, a 10-city business conference tour to empower small business owners to grow profitable businesses while pursuing their passion.

Three small businesses have been awarded $12,000 in Growth Grants from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community. Earlier this year, NASE announced they would be expanding their Growth Grant program to award over $48,000 in small business grants in 2015, an increase from the $20,000 awarded in 2014.

As back to school season approaches and first year college students across the country prepare to pay rising costs of higher education tuition, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the awarding of $12,000 in educational scholarships to four dependents of current NASE members.

One week after the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) started enforcing a new, unfair policy on small businesses that offer traditional health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), America’s small businesses have already incurred a possible $700 in fines per employee over the last week.

A new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) policy imposing a $100 a day fine per employee on small businesses that offer traditional health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) goes into effect today and the consequences could be crippling for America’s smallest employers.

As the Supreme Court of the United States today handed down its ruling in the King v. Burwell health care case, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, hailed the decision calling it a “clear win for millions of Americans who now have access to health care, including those who consider themselves part of our country’s small business community.”

Michigan based small business, Forensic Foundations Group, a forensic sciences consulting firm launched in 2013 based in Dewitt, Michigan, has been selected as this month’s National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) “Member Spotlight.” The National Association for the Self-Employed is the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community.

Boston small business, The SoLa Look, a makeup line launched in 2013 based in Massachusetts but with an online reach around the country, has been selected as this month’s National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) “Member Spotlight.” The National Association for the Self-Employed is the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community.

Three small businesses have been awarded $12,000 in Growth Grants from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community. Earlier this year, NASE announced they would be expanding their Growth Grant program to award over $48,000 in small business grants in 2015, an increase from the $20,000 awarded in 2014.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today salutes America’s nearly 27 million smallest businesses for their contributions to our national and local economies during this week’s National Small Business Week. The NASE is a proud sponsor of the week long effort, lead by The Small Business Administration (SBA), who is holding events around the country to showcase the power and influence of America’s small business community.

Whiting, Indiana area small business, Insight Garden, a small business media and marketing firm helping to cultivate ideas that will have a powerful marketplace impact for clients, has been selected as this month’s National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) “Member Spotlight.” The National Association for the Self-Employed is the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community.

As we approach the last seven business days until this year’s tax deadline, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released “7 in 7”, a list of seven helpful tax tips for filing beneficial and accurate tax returns. The “7 in 7” list released today by NASE is in preparation for April 6th, marking the last seven business days before the April 15th tax deadline.

As graduation season approaches and the rising costs of higher education looms large for most Americans, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the deadline for the association’s scholarship program has been extended until April 30th, 2015.

Frederick, Maryland area small business, White House Memories, a small business specializing in telling behind-the-scenes stories of entertaining in the White House, has been selected as this month’s National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) “Member Spotlight.” The National Association for the Self-Employed is the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community.

With a month until the April 15th deadline when millions of Americans and small businesses must file their 2014 tax returns, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a list of changes and updates to the tax code along with important tips and resources for filing accurate returns.

Whether it’s the private car service Uber or Lyft, the online marketplace Etsy or an accommodation provider called AirBnb, these small and individual entrepreneurs operating in the shared services space are part of the growing small business community in what is being called, the “freelance economy”. TheNational Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, welcomes these new entrepreneurs to the largest small business demographic while reminding them of their rights and responsibilities.

Local Detroit area small business, McConnell Communications, a small business specializing in personally managed, customized communications campaigns to help clients reach a target audience, has been selected as this month’s National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) “Member Spotlight.” The National Association for the Self-Employed is the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community.

Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today offered the following reaction to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s announcement that it is delaying the enforcement of the technical guidance issued in September 2013 regarding Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), a key health care tool for America’s smallest employers.

As the American public and millions of small businesses prepare to file their 2014 tax returns, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a list of changes to the tax code along with important tips and resources for filing accurate returns.

Local San Jose area small business, Habla Language Services, has been awarded a $4,000 Growth Grant from the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community. Habla Language Services, located in San Jose, California, provides a unique approach to language learning by designing stream-lined, picture-based workshops to help students learn Spanish and English as a Second Language (ESL) for personal or professional growth and citizenship.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today announced the expansion of the association’s Growth Grant program to help small business across the country increase capacity and grow their company to the next level. In 2015, NASE is expanding the Growth Grant program to award over $48,000 in small business grants, an increase from the $20,000 awarded in 2014.

Over 66% of small business owners responding to a new survey conducted by the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) ranked “decreasing monthly premiums” as the one thing they would change about their current health care plan. The new survey of small business owners released today by NASE, the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, comes days before the closing of the 2015 health care open enrollment period.

Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, offered reaction this evening to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address stating, “true middle class economics means supporting the small business community and allowing them to be the foundation of our growing economy.”

As we approach the start of the New Year, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, today offers its prognosis for the small business community in 2015.

Ahead of this week’s Small Business Saturday – a national day established to support small businesses across the country – the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, unveiled five top member benefits to help entrepreneurs start and grown their businesses.

Ahead of Saturday’s opening of the 2015 open enrollment period for the individual health care marketplace, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, released a series of tips for small business owners to help them prepare. Open enrollment for health care coverage is set to start this Saturday, November 15th and will run through February 15th, 2015.

With a week to go before this year’s 2014 midterm elections, a new, flash survey by the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, shows women entrepreneurs engaged and looking for candidates who support the small business community.

The National Association of the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, brought together hundreds of small business owners from across the country in Austin, Texas last month for the association’s 34th Annual Meeting. During the meeting, NASE made a strong commitment to its members and the small business community at-large by announcing newly enhanced resources and benefits to ensure they have the tools and resources to succeed.

The Council for Affordable Health Coverage today released an estimate by Avalere Health LLC showing that legislation to permit a new, less expensive tier of insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act would lead to an additional 350,000 Americans keeping their employer sponsored health insurance in 2016. Because fewer people would access exchange subsidies, taxpayers would spend $5.8 billion less, while employers and individuals would pay $5.5 billion less in penalties.

With the introduction of the Women’s Small Business Ownership Act of 2014 by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and John Walsh (D-MT), Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today offered the following comments applauding the measure:

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today applauded the introduction of legislation that addresses address the needs of the small business owner and childcare. The Working Parents Home Office Act, introduced today by U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), allows working parents to deduct incidental use for childcare provided while the taxpayer is using a home office space for their business.

Following-up on last month’s D.C. City Council’s passage of a 1% health care tax, small business groups led by the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today submitted an official letter to the D.C. City Council opposing the new tax. Passed unanimously in a vote on May 6th, 2014, PR20-0744 – Health Benefit Exchange Authority Financial Sustainability Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2014 – would leverage a 1% tax on all health-insurance carriers with gross receipts of $50,000 or more within the District of Columbia. The small business groups signing the letter with NASE include the American Independent Business Coalition and the Southern Consumers Alliance.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for self-employed and micro-businesses, today saluted America’s 23 million smallest businesses for their contributions to our national and local economies during this week’s National Small Business Week. NASE is a partner of The Small Business Administration (SBA), who is holding events around the country to showcase the power and influence of America’s small business community.

With just two-weeks until the American public and millions of small businesses file their 2013 tax returns, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released important tax tips, resources and updates to the tax code for filing accurate returns.

With just weeks until open enrollment closes for our nation’s new health care system, the U.S. House of Representative’s Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce held a hearing today entitled, Obamacare and the Self-Employed: What About Us?. During today’s hearing, Charlie Arnold, small business owner of Arnold Powerwash of Lewes, Del., testified on behalf of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses.

Today’s passage of H.R. 4118, the Simple Fairness Act, in the U.S. House of Representative would give the American public and small business owners some much-needed relief by delaying the individual mandate for one-year.

As the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee unanimously approves the nomination of Maria Contreras-Sweet as the next Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs at the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following statement voicing her enthusiastic support for the new Administrator-designate:

As the American public and millions of small businesses prepare to file their 2013 tax returns, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released important tax tips, resources and updates to the tax code for filing accurate returns.

America’s smallest businesses are vulnerable to the current economic climate and critical to America’s economic recovery. These businesses have demonstrated the highest, steady growth rate in recent years. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the nation’s 22-million self-employed and micro-businesses, is alerting the public, the self-employed and the small businesses community of changes to the tax code and tips for completing the daunting task of completing this year’s tax returns.

After yesterday’s announcement that the Obama Administration has yet again delayed another federal requirement for employers to provide health care, commonly known as the “employer mandate”, Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released the following statement:

Katie Vlietstra, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs at the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released the following statement with news that the Obama Administration will nominate Maria Contreras-Sweet as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) today at a White House press conference.

With just days away from 2014, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) – the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses -- today released a list of new and rising taxes for America’s smallest businesses in the new year.

With the Obama Administration’s announcement that a “hardship exemption” will be extended to those consumers whose health care plan was canceled, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) – the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses -- today released the following statement:

Keith Hall, President and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) – the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses - today announced that Katie Vlietstra will be promoted to Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs. The newly enhanced position will cover a broad range of activities including managing the Washington, DC office, but also directing all government relations and public affairs activities. Vlietstra was formerly NASE’s Director of Government Affairs.

As Americans prepare to take advantage of today’s Black Friday deals, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, shines a light on America’s smallest businesses this Small Business Saturday. Supporting and investing in the small business community helps grow our local, regional and national economies.

In reaction to the announcement by the Obama Administration that online enrollment of the federal small business exchange, SHOP, will be delayed, Katie Vlietstra, Director of Government Affairs for The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, released the following statement:

Over a month after the launch of the new health care system, a majority of small and micro-business owners trying to enroll believe they will be unable to secure affordable health care coverage in the new year according to a new survey by The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses.

As President Barack Obama announced new rules today allowing insurance companies to extend non-compliant health care plans into 2014, Katie Vlietstra, Director of Government Affairs for The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today called the Administration’s new proposal “bad policy.” Today’s announcement by the White House comes a day after officials at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released enrollment numbers for the first month in the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) showing a dismal 106,185 enrollees.

As the House Committee on Ways and Means holds a hearing this morning on the Status of the Affordable Care Act Implementation, Katie Vlietstra, Director of Government Affairs for The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, called on the U.S. Congress and the Administration to “immediately eliminate the open enrollment deadline and delay the individual mandate penalty for one-year.” The NASE submitted an official statement for the record for today’s U.S. House Ways and Means Committee hearing that advocates for immediate and swift action eliminating the open enrollment period and delaying the individual mandate penalty.

With open enrollment in the nation’s new health care system beginning tomorrow against the backdrop of a potential Federal Government shutdown, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released new data from a national survey of its membership showing that more than half (54%) of the 476 respondents haven’t decided if they will purchase health care on the Exchanges. In fact, 64% of the respondents indicated they have yet to even visit the new HealthCare.gov website and 100% of those surveyed answered that price will be a deciding factor in their decision.

With under two weeks until the open enrollment period for our nation’s new health care system begins October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today released a new infographic, “The More You Know,” to help prepare America’s 23 million small business. The new infographic offers topline advice for America’s 23 million self-employed and micro-businesses as they prepare for the opening of the federal and state health care Exchanges. The NASE has been supporting the small business communities around the country become better informed about how to approach the upcoming open enrollment period.

Today, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, and the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), an advocacy and research organization for entrepreneurs, and Fundable, a crowdfunding platform partner focused exclusively on startup companies, announced Las Vegas small business, The Cookie Bar, as the winner of their national crowdfunding contest. The national contest was created as a way to show their commitment to supporting America’s small business community in their goal of raising and securing capital through the powerful platform of crowdfunding.

John Wright, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) today announced the appointment of Keith R. Hall, CPA of Texas, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.

Today, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) and Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation announced a partnership to help women veterans and military spouses start their own small businesses. The partnership is part of the BPW’s Joining Forces Mentoring Plus™ -- a program dedicated to helping military spouses and women veterans connect with working women mentors and subject matter experts (SMEs) to receive support, guidance, career development, and to ultimately obtain meaningful employment.

With enrollment in our nation’s new health care system quickly approaching, 533,228 small businesses across the state of Missouri are preparing and educating themselves about the impact of the sweeping new health care reform law enacted by Congress last year. Today, in advance of the open enrollment period beginning October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses released a key guide, the Affordable Care Act in Brief, to educate and help assist Missouri’s small business community during this transition period.

With enrollment in our nation’s new health care system quickly approaching, 270,831 small businesses across the state of Nevada are preparing and educating themselves about the impact of the sweeping new health care reform law enacted by Congress last year. Today, in advance of the open enrollment period beginning October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses released a key guide, the Affordable Care Act in Brief, to educate and help assist Nevada’s small business community during this transition period.

With enrollment in our nation’s new health care system quickly approaching, 3,432,359 small businesses across the state of California are preparing and educating themselves about the impact of the sweeping new health care reform law enacted by Congress last year. Today, in advance of the open enrollment period beginning October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses released a key guide, the Affordable Care Act in Brief, to educate and help assist California’s small business community during this transition period.

The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, and the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), an advocacy and research organization for entrepreneurs, and Fundable, a crowdfunding platform partner focused exclusively on startup companies, announced today the finalists of their national crowdfunding contest: A diverse and unique group of finalist companies, with varying funding needs, committed to starting and growing their own small business. The national contest is committed to supporting America’s small business community in their goal of raising and securing capital through the powerful platform of crowdfunding.

With enrollment in our nation’s new health care system quickly approaching, 486,993 small businesses across the state of Arizona are preparing and educating themselves about the impact of the sweeping new health care reform law enacted by Congress last year. Today, in advance of the open enrollment period beginning October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses released a key guide, the Affordable Care Act in Brief, to educate and help assist Arizona’s small business community during this transition period.

With enrollment in our nation’s new health care system quickly approaching, 945,103 small businesses across the state of Pennsylvania are preparing and educating themselves about the impact of the sweeping new health care reform law enacted by Congress last year. Today, in advance of the open enrollment period beginning October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses released a key guide, the Affordable Care Act in Brief, to educate and help assist Pennsylvania’s small business community during this transition period.

With less than six-weeks to go before the October 1st open enrollment period begins for the new Affordable Care Act implementation, today The New York Times uncovered a “little-noticed ruling” that delays “until 2015 a significant consumer protection in the law that limits how much people may have to spend on their own health care”. Katie Vlietstra, Director of Government Affairs for The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading resource and advocate for the self-employed and micro-businesses, calls the latest discovery “further evidence of a process that has been mired with incomplete and lacking information on the impact this law will have on America’s self-employed and micro-business community.”

With enrollment in our nation’s new health care system quickly approaching, 2,273,508 small businesses across the state of Texas are preparing and educating themselves about the impact of the sweeping new health care reform law enacted by Congress last year. Today, in advance of the open enrollment period beginning October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses released a key guide, the Affordable Care Act in Brief, to educate and help assist Texas’ small business community during this transition period. In addition, small businesses will gain a new streamlined home office tax deduction in the 2013 tax-filing season.

With enrollment in our nation’s new health care system quickly approaching, 800,564 small businesses across the state of Michigan are preparing and educating themselves about the impact of the sweeping new health care reform law enacted by Congress last year. Today, in advance of the open enrollment period beginning October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses released a key guide, the Affordable Care Act in Brief, to educate and help assist Michigan’s small business community during this transition period.

With enrollment in our nation’s new health care system quickly approaching, 146,962 small businesses across the state of New Mexico are preparing and educating themselves about the impact of the sweeping new health care reform law enacted by Congress last year. Today, in advance of the open enrollment period beginning October 1st, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses released a key guide, the Affordable Care Act in Brief, to educate and help assist New Mexico’s small business community during this transition period. In addition, small businesses will gain a new streamlined home office tax deduction in the 2013 tax-filing season.

As the House Committee on Ways and Means holds a hearing on the status of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation, Katie Vlietstra, Director of Government Affairs for The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading resource and advocate for the self-employed and micro-businesses, today offered the following comments:

Said Kristie Arslan, NASE President & CEO: "One of the biggest challenges for America's smallest business community is the complexities of the U.S. tax code. Our nation's tax system is incredibly unfair and actually deters those from opening their own business and others from growing theirs. America's 22 million self-employed businesses struggle daily to comply with a cumbersome tax code that puts them at a disadvantage in the marketplace. While the Treasury Department's announcement earlier this year of a more streamlined home office deduction was welcomed news, we commend Senators Udall and Boozman for their leadership in introducing a reform package that permanently simplifies the tax code. This important relief will put America's smallest businesses on a level playing field with the rest of the business community. We look forward to working with both of them and the entire Congress on passing this important piece of legislation.”

As President Barack Obama delivered a statement today on the new health care reform law and a day after the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to delay both the employer and individual mandate requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) – the nation’s leading resource and advocate for the self-employed and micro-businesses – today offered the following comments:

As the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to vote on H.R. 2668, Fairness for American Families Act, allowing for a one-year delay in the individual mandate requirement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) – the nation’s leading resource and advocate for the self-employed and micro-businesses – today offered its support.

With just under three months until Americans begin to enroll in our nation’s new health care system, The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) – the nation’s leading resource and advocate for the self-employed and micro-businesses – today released a new fact sheet, The Affordable Care Act in Brief, outlining the impact of the health care law on America’s smallest businesses.

With news of today’s “clean slate” tax reform framework introduced by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business, is calling the move “an encouraging sign”.