SMALL BUSINESS IS THE BACKBONE OF OUR NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ECONOMY and serves as the economic engine of local communities. And, it's small business that forms the personality and character of a regional marketplace.

With roughly 80 percent of Metro Chamber members being businesses with 20 employees or less, an important part of our programs and services help our small business members thrive and prosper. Here are just a few programs and services available to small business members:

• Small Business Scholarships to help small businesses participate in Metro Chamber programs like the Capitol-to-Capitol Trip to Washington D.C., Study Mission and Leadership Sacramento

• Free Metro Mixer networking events

• Annual Small Business Awards, recognizing and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit

• Annual Business Walks, designed to take the pulse of specific issues directly affecting the business climate, while also giving attention and visibility to the needs of small business owners through personal interviews and member-to-member connections

• Annual Metro Expo, the region's leading business trade expo

• High impact, low-cost print and Internet advertising programs

• Opportunity to participate on the Small Business Committee

• Opportunity to become a Metro Chamber Ambassador

Contact the Membership Department at (916) 552-6800 or membership@metrochamber.org, for more information about our small business services.