While the RNC met in Washington Friday to determine who would be its next leader and the RPOF convenes this weekend in Orlando to determine who will replace outgoing chairman Sen. John Thrasher of Jacksonville, former Gov. Jeb Bush kicked off the Hispanic Action Network to help the GOP reach out to those voters.

In the fight to be heard in the state Legislature, small business owners must compete with companies and special interests that can shout their agendas to lawmakers through lobbyists and attorneys.

So, how can small businesses that don't hire lobbyists raise their voices from a whisper to a roar?

The journey to gain political clout without the use of a lobbyist can be a hefty burden on a small business owner’s time and funds.

But, in the end, the rewards can be bountiful.