Small Business Hawaii is now doing business as "SmartBusiness HAWAII."

The name change reflected a move to reinvent the association to deal with the 21st-century realities of changing and challenging economic times and less concern about the size of a business.

The business and trade association began in 1976 as the "Small Business Association of Hawaii." It was started by Lex Brodie, to provide effective advocacy for growing numbers of very small businesses of five employees or fewer in Hawai'i. In 1983, SBH officially became "Small Business Hawaii."

The organization has always accepted within its membership any size business interested in working to improve Hawaii's business climate for all residents.

It boasts the distinction of being the only completely private, independent, statewide business association operated entirely by business owners, for business owners.

SBH aims to foster job creation, reduce taxes, government regulations and business costs, while promoting, educating and fighting for Hawaii's small business community.