Small businesses thrive because of their community. Most of their customers are locals who then recommend them to visitors and tourists. There’s a chance many of your workers even come from that circle. It only makes sense to thank the community for their support by giving something back, whether in time, event, or donations.
Getting involved with your community can also bring several perks. A larger presence within the local neighborhood can translate to better customer acquisition. You also strengthen your ties with existing customers, which boosts customer loyalty and brand authority.
1. Sponsor Organizations
Look for small organizations that your small business could help out with. For example, a recreational season in youth sports can cost an average of $138 per season, which may discourage families from enrolling their kids in these organizations.
Invest in a local sports team so kids can join and play for free. You can even go the extra mile and use your business resources to procure items. If you have a printing business, customize and make the jerseys for the children.
2. Participate in Events
Communities host all types of events and invite the locals to participate. Have your business join in. For example, if there’s a parade going on, you can create your own float. Employees can chip in to paint and decorate it before the big day.
Apply for a stall at festivals. It’s a perfect opportunity for small food and beverage businesses to get more people to try out their offerings. You can even promote an offer where half the proceeds will be donated to a local charity.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is one of the simplest ways your small business can interact with the community. Engaging with people on the ground creates a sense of purpose, so employees will feel refreshed when they see how their efforts help out the locals.
There are many ways to volunteer, from joining a local food bank to starting your beach cleanup initiative. If there’s a community garden, pledge to grow and harvest a particular fruit or vegetable. Animal rescue centers can also use a hand.
4. Start a Fundraiser
Invite the community to band together and raise funds for a charity. You can organize your event and have a drive where people can send cash contributions. In-kind donations like clothing and appliances are also suitable for certain institutions, like homeless shelters.
Fundraisers take many forms. For example, item auctions can boost funds and encourage the community to exchange different products. You could also do an activity-based campaign like a walkathon or sports tournament.
5. Promote a Cause
A small business has a voice the community will listen to. Make your stance clear about certain causes. Your vision, mission, and values serve as a baseline for determining what messages align with your company. For example, if you’re a woman-owned company, empower other ladies and uplift the women you’ve already employed.
6. Provide Workshops
Workshops are also a simple way to bring the locals together. Provide a course that’s connected to your business. Marketing businesses can enlighten young entrepreneurs about social media or graphic design. This event helps the youth broaden their horizons and position them as thought leaders within the community.
7. Create a Local Exhibition
The creative arts are underappreciated, but small businesses may help highlight them. Call different artists to submit their creative work, from sculptures to paintings. You can even let employees bring their masterpieces to display in an exhibition.
Another way to boost creatives is to provide an open mic night. Book a bar or use your establishment as a venue. On this night, locals can share their poetry, sing original songs, and make speeches.
8. Partner with Other Local Businesses
Local neighborhoods are made up of multiple small businesses. Unfortunately, about 18% of these companies close their doors within their first year. Make sure to support other ventures through public partnerships.
You can also highlight them in other ways. For example, try to host a weekly podcast where you invite a local brand owner for a chat about all things business. You could also feature a small business monthly on your social media.
9. Give Scholarships and Internships
Some families may lack the financial means to enroll their children in schools. Get involved with the community by providing scholarship opportunities. You can start small by offering grants that partially cover a child’s tuition or even allowance.
Open up space in the office for internships too. Locals can skip traveling afar when there are openings closer to them. These give your small business mentoring opportunities while younger minds learn the ropes of running a company.
10. Renovate a Local Space
If you run a business in an older building or operate a construction firm, you can champion the importance of historic preservation within the community. Collaborate with the local government or even handle a site renovation project. Protect its architectural beauty and overall significance — the locals will thank you.
Use Your Small Business for Good
Setting aside resources to interact with the community is time well spent. Small businesses may be surprised by the influx of customers and reputation afterward. Plus, performing good deeds means your company is doing its part to create a better local economy and space.
Cora Gold is the founder of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She writes about career advice and productivity for publications including StartupNation and Mediabistro. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn to read more.
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