AWA Year in Review 2025
As we look back on the past year and ahead to the opportunities before us, we are proud to share the current “State of the AWA” – a reflection on the progress we’ve made together and the initiatives shaping our path forward. The small business landscape continues to evolve, and AWA remains committed to supporting our members with meaningful benefits, strong advocacy, and resources designed for your success.
In 2025, AWA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting, not only our members, but also the communities where they live and work. Earlier this year, AWA provided a $50,000 donation to LiftFund in support of those small business owners affected by the Hill Country Flooding, helping families and small businesses begin the process of recovery after a challenging natural disaster.
This act reflects our belief that the strength of AWA is rooted in community—supporting one another during moments of need remains central to our mission.
In our recent member survey, you shared that professional growth and business education are essential to your success. In response, AWA is launching an expanded suite of on-demand videos and webinars to support your ongoing development as entrepreneurs and small business owners. We partnered with Kindly Human to discuss stress strategies that work for entrepreneurs in September. In November, AWA participated in a webinar with our advocacy partner, Small Business Majority to review health insurance options for small business owners. Find out more on the AWA website.
We know that today’s small business owners are mobile, flexible, and constantly on the move. That’s why we’ve added new member exclusive resources and benefits tailored specifically for entrepreneurs who travel.
Lyric Virtual Urgent Care gives you convenient, 24/7 access to virtual urgent care – no matter where business takes you. Whether you’re traveling for work or balancing life on the go, Lyric helps ensure you have medical support at your fingertips.
To help members during times of transition – whether between jobs, starting a business, or navigating shifting coverage needs, AWA now offers access to Short Term Medical (STM) plan options. These plans provide temporary, flexible solutions to keep you and your family protected.
You can contact Member Services through your Member Portal request form for more information on these two new resources.
Your feedback has shaped our road map for the year ahead for AWA. You can expect:
- Even more education and small business resources
- Continued enhancements to your membership tools and experience
- Additional member-only resources and solutions designed to meet your evolving needs
We will continue sharing these updates through our regular emails, newsletters, the Members Corner, and our social media network.
We’re always evolving to better serve you, and your feedback helps guide that growth. Your insights help us uncover new interests we may not have addressed yet and highlight areas where we can strengthen the experience for all members. Please continue to offer feedback through the Member Portal and AWA website throughout your journey.
Thank you for your continued membership and the trust you place in AWA. We wish you a successful close to 2025 and a bright, inspiring year ahead.
Sincerely,
Neil Peterson
AWA Board President