The NASE was founded in 1981 to provide day-to-day support, including direct access to experts, benefits, and consolidated buying power that traditionally had been available only to large corporations. Today the NASE represents hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and micro-businesses, and is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association of its kind in the United States. Through the NASE, the self-employed and micro-businesses have a powerful voice representing their interests. NASE has a strong track record of advocating for its members on Capitol Hill. Through efforts like the online Legislative Action Center and the Tell Your Story initiative, NASE provides an easy and timely way for micro-business owners to get involved and express their opinions to elected officials.