The New England Business Association, formerly known as the Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE), was founded in 1938 as a private not-for-profit association of approximately 600 member companies located throughout the six-state region. SBANE was initially established to provide a legislative voice for small business at the state and federal levels and to make practical information available to help business owners grow their companies. For decades, SBANE ran diverse, educational and networking programs each year with active chapters in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The membership has been characterized by a high degree of participation, reflected in a large and dynamic committee structure, addressing a range of topics from international trade to human resources. In 2017, SBANE rebranded as New England Business Association and embarked on an expanded mission to enhance the support, resources, and networking it provides to its members. By way of strategic partnerships, New England Business Association is ushering in new initiatives such as more access to capital, exclusive rates on services and products via a preferred vendor program, and innovative business-to-business networking platforms.