Why Community Involvement Is Good for Your Business and Your Town!

Does your business bring something to the community table?

Customers and employees notice if a business gives back to its community.

Yes, small businesses owners have a lot on their plate, but local businesses that show an active interest in their communities receive many benefits which can include:

• Strengthening your business’s reputation
• Creating positive goodwill
• Gaining the respect of your employees
• Networking and creating connections with other local businesses
• Setting your business apart from your competitors
• Attracting and retaining customers and employees

Community Partnership Ideas

• Organize a Community Fair – Invite representatives from various nonprofits to come talk to your staff about what they do and what they need. Genius Tip: Create an online sign up to recruit and coordinate nonprofit representatives.
• Join the Local Chamber of Commerce – The Chamber of Commerce can be a good way to stay on top of what’s happening in the community and can help your company form strategic partnerships to benefit all.
• Consider Sponsoring Community Events – Find events that are in line with your company’s values and will help promote your brand.
• Get Involved in Small Business Saturday – This nationwide event held the Saturday after Thanksgiving gets a lot of promotion on social media and can be a good way to get your name out there. If you’re a big business, consider partnering with a small business for this special occasion.
• Offer Free Services – Pro bono work and discounts go a long way for nonprofit organizations. Form a partnership and commit to offering a deal to the nonprofit.
• Give Back – Donate a portion of your profits to serve a cause your company is passionate about. Consider adopting nonprofit partners to give to on a regular basis or have your employees volunteer at the same nonprofit your company is giving to. Generosity goes a long way!
• Make Extra Space – If you have a large campus or extra meeting space, open it up to the community to host meetings or gatherings. Nonprofit boards often need a place to meet and it may add a new element of fun to your workspace to have groups visit.
• Create a Scholarship – Consider starting a scholarship fund for a student who wants to pursue a career in your industry. Ask employees for help publicizing the opportunity.
• Honor Those Who Serve – Brainstorm ideas to show appreciation to service personnel like police, firefighters, military and teachers. Or promote discounts on certain days like Teacher Appreciation Day or Veterans Day.
• Fuel the Local Economy – Buy local whenever possible to support neighboring businesses.
• Make a Unique Donation – Be on the lookout for a news item that has caught the attention of the community. For example, did a family lose everything in a fire? Businesses often have plenty of resources to assist in crises.
• Join a Parade – Most communities host several parades throughout the year. Build a float or plan to walk in the parade. Make sure your company name is prominently displayed.
• Tour Guides – Offer community tours of your offices or facilities along with an oral history of your organization. You’d be surprised how many K-12 schools will make a field trip out of the experience.

Get up, get creative, and get involved in your community. Your business can help make the world a little better!