Abstract
Trade and business associations are facing a period of deep transformation that resembles an "old age crisis". This derives largely from the environmental context, characterized by tensions and uncertainties, in which small entrepreneurs and craftsmen operate. The small business, typically isolated from unusual contexts (institutional, geographical, commercial), has to face an increasing complexity and internationalization. Thus the business associations face the need to change their role. In order to understand how business associations must adapt their activities and goals to the evolution required by small enterprises, it is necessary to define a new way in which the associations can represent business and individual interests (lobbying, protection, promotion and creation of positive environmental conditions). In the process of doing so it is also important to supply innovative services which can transfer to the associate enterprises competences and skills on managing and developping the business. The case of Confartigianato Alto Milanese shows on the one hand the need to understand the evolution of craftsmen and on the other the situation of a small business association, engaged in a process of strategic re-positioning and of re-definition of its activities.