National Small Business Week: 3 Ways PEO Brokers Fuel Client Growth

5 May 2025 ExtensisHR6 minute read

Quick look: National Small Business Week is an ideal time for brokers to explore new ways to help their clients reach the next growth phase. From expanded service offerings to an elevated level of personalized attention, partnering with a PEO can equip you with the tools needed to enable this development.

National Small Business Week, which takes place from May 4-10, 2025, celebrates small business owners’ hard work and dedication, and how their contributions drive innovation. There are many ways to show support, but for brokers, it’s all about meeting their clients’ changing and often complex benefit needs.

Partnering with a trusted professional employer organization (PEO) is a simple way to add a variety of solutions geared toward small business success to your portfolio. From access to expert human resources (HR) guidance to cost-effective benefits packages, a PEO’s offerings can significantly advance your clients’ growth and efficiency.

The power of America’s small businesses

Small businesses are a driving force of the U.S. economy, fueling job creation and community growth. Their impact is undeniable, as highlighted by these impressive statistics from the U.S. Small Business Administration:

9% of American businesses are classified as small
There are nearly 35 million small businesses in the country
Approximately 60 million people, or 45.9% of U.S. employees, work for small businesses
Small businesses account for over 43% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)

3 PEO offerings that strengthen small businesses

As trusted advisors, brokers are expected to guide clients toward the best solutions for their benefits and HR needs. Partnering with a PEO partner not only supports client success but also enhances your value as a broker. Here’s how a PEO can drive client growth and boost your book of business in the process:

1. All-inclusive HR services

HR management requires a full-time effort, taking away from a business leader’s ability to focus on other important areas of operational expansion. A PEO offers comprehensive HR support and guidance to handle day-to-day tasks including:

Payroll and tax administration
Talent management (recruiting and retention)
Training and development
Handbook and policy development
Leave management

With a reliable team of HR experts providing flexible solutions, a PEO simplifies HR while also remaining aware of what’s new and necessary to stay competitive.

2. Broader benefit accessibility

Partnering with a PEO allows small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to enjoy premium benefits at competitive rates typically reserved for larger corporations. In addition to standard offerings like health insurance and retirement savings accounts, a PEO works closely with business leaders to identify the benefits their workforce values the most.

From financial counseling to pet insurance, a wide range of benefits is effective when creating customized compensation packages to retain and attract top talent. Rather than relying on run-of-the-mill offerings, clients can explore the value of modern company perks with a PEO partner.

3. Ongoing employment compliance

In addition to maintaining modern benefits packages, SMBs must be attuned to current employment laws and regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), changing rules under the SECURE 2.0 Act, and other federal, state, and local legislation.

Because these protocols change so frequently, relying on the expertise of a PEO can reduce the risk of potential penalties and fines. Managing HR risk and compliance can feel overwhelming for employers, but having the support of a PEO ensures they and their employees are safeguarded.

The ExtensisHR difference

Beyond handling HR administration, PEOs can offer strategic advice on workforce management, benefits trends, and methods to streamline HR processes.

However, it’s important to consider the differences between big-box and boutique PEOs regarding problem-solving, personalization, and overall client care. Brokers often find that working with ExtensisHR provides a competitive edge and assurance that their clients receive high-quality customer service.

Here’s a look at what sets us apart:

People-first mentality

Helping SMBs succeed starts with understanding who they are. At ExtensisHR, we take the time to learn each client’s culture, goals, and challenges. From there, we tailor HR and benefits solutions that address their most pressing needs. By putting their company’s priorities first, business leaders are empowered to speak up for what they and their employees need most to lighten their HR workload.

Exceptional customer service

Every ExtensisHR client is paired with a dedicated, SHRM-certified HR Manager who serves as a true extension of their team. With deep experience in addressing complex HR concerns and navigating industry-specific challenges, these professionals provide proactive guidance on everything from compliance and employee relations to performance management and organizational strategy.

A client’s worksite employees receive the same caliber of support, with access to a customer service team that answers the phone in 10 seconds or less and boasts a 95% same-day case resolution rate—no automated responses here.

Complimentary recruiting services

Many big-box PEOs are known for their one-size-fits-all HR solutions, which often do not include what SMBs truly need. Additionally, their recruiting services are typically offered at an additional charge.

At ExtensisHR, it’s different. Our full-cycle recruiting services are a complimentary part of our PEO solution and include:

Talent acquisition for most staff-level positions
Job advertisement creation
Salary surveys
Skills and talent pool assessments
Interview assistance
Offer letter consultations
And more

Intuitive HR platform

ExtensisHR’s mobile-first Work Anywhere® platform enables SMB leaders to securely manage HR tasks and support distributed workforces from anywhere, at any time. Using this technology can lead to improved cost management, streamlined processes, and greater HR sustainability.

Elite industry credentials

Not every PEO is the same, especially when it comes to credibility. ExtensisHR remains in the top 1% of PEOs maintaining a critical trifecta of certifications:

Employer Service Assurance Corporation (ESAC) accreditation
Certification Institute (CI) designation
IRS Certified PEO (CPEO) status

Additionally, ExtensisHR maintains Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) SOC 1 Type 2 certification. This level of accountability and achievement provides brokers with an extra level of confidence when considering a PEO partner for their clients.

Earned client approval

At ExtensisHR, our dedication to our customers is reflected in the data. We proudly maintain a 93% client renewal rate and a Net Promoter Score more than twice the national average for outsourced HR solutions.

Coming together for the nation’s hardworking small businesses

Small businesses need every advantage to actively compete and pursue their goals. ExtensisHR’s tailored services put employees first and empower growing companies to reach their next level.

Further, as a broker-friendly PEO, we work collaboratively to provide a competitive solution to improve business relationships and introduce new opportunities… because your success is our success.

How can we help your SMB clients simplify HR and save on costs? Contact us today to discover the value of our services, experience, and expertise.