Empowering Small Businesses Worldwide
Championing Small Business Interests Globally
Who Are We ?
The International Small Business Alliance (ISBA) was founded with the mission of protecting the interests of small businesses globally. The ISBA was created in response to a recognized gap in representation for small enterprises, particularly when it comes to the critical issue of Competition Law and its enforcement.
In the modern business landscape, many industries have become dominated by a handful of large companies. This dominance, while not inherently harmful, often leads to abusive practices that severely impact smaller competitors. These large firms, through collusion or unfair advantage, can drive smaller businesses out of the market, ultimately harming both the business ecosystem and consumers alike.
At ISBA, we firmly believe that small businesses are the backbone of every economy. It is vital that their rights are safeguarded, ensuring that larger corporations do not use their power to stifle competition and limit consumer choice.
What We Do ?
The International Small Business Alliance provides a strong and unified voice for small businesses. We work to raise awareness both in the media and the political sphere to challenge the abusive behaviours of cartels and dominant firms. Through our global network, we support businesses by promoting fair competition and advocating for robust enforcement of competition laws.
At ISBA, we collaborate closely with small businesses and representative groups to address market abuse, corruption, and white-collar crime. By joining forces, we tackle these issues head-on, ensuring a fair and transparent business environment where small enterprises can thrive.
Our services cater to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the globe, offering specialized support in Competition Law, its enforcement, and advocacy for fair business practices. We work alongside SMEs and their representative groups worldwide to develop tailored strategies that address the unique challenges they face, ensuring their voices are heard in policy discussions and legal frameworks.
Our global network of experts spans across regions such as Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, and the USA. This diverse network allows us to provide localised insights, comprehensive representation, and effective solutions, no matter where your business operates. We are committed to standing by SMEs to protect their rights, combat unfair market practices, and foster a business environment that encourages innovation and growth.
Our History
The origins of the International Small Business Alliance (ISBA) trace back to 1995, when it was initially established as the Quarry and Concrete Family Alliance (QCFA). QCFA was formed to protect independent quarry and concrete operators in Ireland from what was perceived as an unfair threat posed by larger corporations within the sector, specifically the dominance of CRH (Cement Roadstone Holdings). The alliance quickly became a voice for small, independent businesses that were struggling against the market power of larger entities.
As the organisation grew, it became clear that the issues facing small businesses in Ireland extended beyond the quarry and concrete sectors. By 2000, in response to the growing need to represent a wider range of industries, QCFA evolved into the Irish Small Business Alliance (ISBA), expanding its advocacy efforts to support small businesses across the country.
In the following years, the scope of the organisation continued to expand as small businesses from different countries began to seek support. With an increasing number of international queries and global work, ISBA made a natural progression to become the International Small Business Alliance. Today, ISBA works on a global scale, defending the rights of small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide and advocating for fair competition and market justice.