The National Association of Small Business Professionals announces the unveiling of a tougher, more stringent approval process for its accredited business program. The move comes in an effort to champion the cause of brand new start-ups by creating a more level playing field in the marketplace, as well as providing consumers with the added peace of mind that small start-ups are also honest and trustworthy businesses serving the community.

In a move of transparency, the NASBP is unveiling its complete accreditation approval process to the public. A brief yet informative accreditation process infographic is available, as well as an accreditation overview brochure.

"Traditionally, brand new start-ups just don't qualify to join other accredited business programs, simply because they are brand new businesses without previous trading activity under their belts," said Kimberly Kelly, founder of the National Association of Small Business Professionals. "When my husband and I first started our business in America, we didn't qualify for acceptance into a well-known accreditation program because we had been in business less than a year. The aim of the NASBP's Accredited Business program is to make accreditation accessible to the thousands of honest, very hardworking and trustworthy small business owners all across America who either cannot afford the more expensive accreditation programs that cost upwards of $400 to $600 a year, or simply don't qualify to join because they just don't have an established business track record. We feel these entrepreneurs deserve a chance to do business on a more level playing field. I believe NASBP Accreditation offers them that advantage."

Ms. Kelly emphasized that, in addition to championing the causes related to starting and succeeding as a small business owner, the NASBP also offers its members a full suite of free and low-cost success tools specifically for start-ups.  These tools include the NASBP Marketing 911 Helpline, the Marketing ER and the Free Member Downloads Center.