About Smart Business Hawaii

We’re Hawaii’s most active, independent and effective small business advocacy organization.

“SBH” Smart Business Hawaii (formerly known as Small Business Hawaii) is unique in the U.S. among business and trade associations. Begun in 1976 in order to provide effective advocacy for growing numbers of small businesses (five employees or less) in Hawaii, the SBH name was changed in 2009 to recognize both the new economic realities “the need for all businesses to operate smart” and SBH’s growing role in providing services for businesses of all sizes at every stage of organization.

SBH has always accepted within its membership any size business interested in working to improve Hawaii’s business climate for all. But SBH’s primary focus was on existing, small businesses. Smart Business Hawaii expands that focus to entrepreneurs wanting to start a business, businesses in operation, and businesses developing an exit strategy.

SBH is the only completely private, independent, statewide business association operated entirely by business owners, for business owners. SBHí‘s influence in business issues “taxation, mandated employer benefits, regulations, health care, and educational partnerships” is well known in America and internationally.

SBH’s mission is dedication to promoting a better Hawaii through private, competitive, networked businesses. SBH aims to foster job creation, reduce taxes, government regulations, and business costs, while promoting, educating, and effectively advocating for Hawaii’s business community.

SBH was founded in 1976 by legendary entrepreneur, Lex Brodie, in a Kakaako tire shop as the Small Business Association of Hawaii. SBAH, was incorporated as a 501(c) (6) non profit association. Smart Business Hawaii emerged in 1983. Smart Business Hawaii advanced in 2009. No existing business organization adequately or aggressively fought for the major concerns of smaller business firms, or the owner-entrepreneur, as has SBH.

The first SBH office was in the historic Brewery Building on Cooke St. In 1994, SBH moved to Hawaii Kai.

SBH is Hawaii’s recognized leader effectively representing small and growing businesses and strongly supports a commonality of issues vital to all Hawaii businesses regardless of size. SBH has worked in the State Legislature, City Council and has gone to court successfully to assist small business with Unemployment Compensation and Workers’ Compensation issues.

SBH holds many Hawaii firsts, among them: first Hawaii business organization to offer a choice of affordable, comprehensive medical and health plans for small businesses; first business organization on the Internet; first with a Employee Assistance Program (EAP); first with a non-partisan, independent, political action affiliate (Paychecks Hawaii), first with a regular radio and television business series, and first to organize a coalition of local business organizations for legislative issue representation.

Smart Business Hawaii neither accepts, nor solicits, any government tax or grant money. Reasonable voluntary member dues and private donations support the organization. Active member participation determines its direction í” and its effectiveness. A small, professionally-experienced business staff, operates the association and delivers ever-increasing group member benefits to more than 1,000 businesses, and information to the public, throughout Hawaii. The staff is augmented by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and by members who give their time to help others.

SBH operates as any small business and its business owner-members take an active leadership role in the community, working to make positive economic changes. SBH also supports youth organizations and proudly participates with Winners’ Camp, Read Aloud America, Junior Achievement of Hawaii and the Hugh O’BrianYouth Foundation, among other organizations. In 1988, it published its free market economic primer, free to all schools, “The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible.” Now in its 4th printing, and winner of numerous education awards, the book has been translated into more that 50 editions and 40 languages worldwide.

SBH is optimistic for the future of the 50th State and is working for economic and educational change.