The Australian SME Association is a non-profit association launched to support and equip small and medium sized enterprises for business success and to strengthen Australia’s economic growth.

Organized and launched in 2011 the association has grown quickly. The association delivers specific events and workshops for small and medium sized businesses as well as educational resources and networking events. Publications include e-newsletters and Australia’s longest running small business magazine “My Business” Other services the association provides includes an online business and supplier directory and an advantage group Buying Program to provide cost savings to SME members.

As a result of feedback received from members on the 2014 member survey the membership levels and benefits have been reviewed and updated to include the most valuable and relevant resources for the Australian entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The SME Association recognizes that there are about 2 million small businesses in Australia and that they comprise more than 95% of all businesses in Australia. That knowledge and their commitment to see small, medium and large businesses prosper and succeed is the root of all advocacy efforts. As an organization SME is the leading voice representing small business in Australia.

A primary focus of the association is to provide networking events to help form strategic alliances and affiliations with businesses, organizations, associations, schools, higher education, and the government. SME is a one-stop shop for small businesses that need a helping hand to prosper and succeed.

The SME association sends out a monthly business bites newsletter and provides a resource portal where businesses can find a broad range of informational and educational help. The association also offers a hub for co-working space.

Recent ventures to help members build exposure for their brands includes helping brands to build market authority by providing members with the ability to list events in the SME event calendar, social media announcements, opportunities to publish subject matter expertise articles in MY Business magazine, submit content for the SME resource portal, and do promotions and share brand stories on an SME TV episode.

One of the most popular services provided by the association are the networking events. These events last for a period of two hours and include free drinks and nibbles. The focus at these events is to provide a dedicated time for businesses to network with one another and to develop strategic alliances with possible suppliers as well as identify potential customers within the association.

The SME association also sponsors the My Business Awards. An outgrowth of My Business Magazine these awards are designed to help encourage, support and promote small businesses. All members can enter to win or nominate other businesses for awards. A big part of the awards night is the awards ceremony where winners take the stage to accept their awards and businesses can network with entrants, and meet sponsors.