Businesses are an essential part of their communities. Learn about ways to give back.

Small businesses play an important role in their communities. Far more than just commerce, small businesses contribute to the culture of their neighborhood, provide employment and are often a social meeting point between neighbors. Finding ways to give back can strengthen community ties, enhance your business’s reputation and leave a lasting positive impact on the people you serve. And there’s no better time than the holiday season. Here are five low-cost ways small businesses can give back:

1. Volunteer Time and Skills

   Time is the most precious resource. Encourage your teammates to volunteer for local causes or organize a company-wide volunteer day. Whether helping at a food bank, cleaning up litter or offering professional skills to non-profits, your time can make a difference.

2. Host Community Events

   Consider organizing free or low-cost events that bring the community together. You could host a workshop, provide space for a maker’s market or organize a family fun day to offer children new experiences. Hosting events can increase your company’s visibility in the community and foster goodwill.

3. Support Local Schools

   Partner with local schools and determine how your business might align with educational goals. Anything from donating supplies, sponsoring extracurricular events or even providing job shadowing or internship opportunities could make a big difference for students. Plus, by partnering with schools, you’re investing in the future.

4. Donate Products or Services

   Whether your business has excess inventory or can provide services at no cost or low cost, consider finding opportunities and times to donate to those in need. If you’re unsure how to find the correct recipients, consider partnering with local non-profits or community groups that can bridge the gap between what you offer and the people who need it most.

5. Go Green

   A clean community with lots of healthy green spaces is a positive community. Consider organizing a tree-planting drive, recycling drive or a neighborhood clean-up campaign. These efforts not only help the environment you live and work in but can also help your business find ways to be more sustainable.

Giving back to your community can be much more than just donating funds. By leveraging the time, skills and resources you offer, your small business can make a meaningful impact on those you serve. Remember to start small and do what you’re able to while thinking creatively about how you can grow in the future, and watch how much of a difference you can make. Ready to start budgeting your impact? Cadence Business Banking can help with a team of financial services experts invested in your success every step of the way.

Sources:

https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-give-back-on-small-business-saturday/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2023/04/09/3-ways-businesses-can-give-back-to-the-people-and-communities-around-them/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/6-ways-small-businesses-can-give-back-local-communities-iawomenhq-cifxe/

This article is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. Cadence Bank makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content in the article. The article is not intended to provide legal, accounting or tax advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes.