It’s been said that small business is part of the heartbeat of the larger community.

 

No one knows better than a small business owner, the importance of community acceptance and support. Understanding the best ways to reciprocate that same support and acceptance is crucial to a business owner.

 

Small businesses filter money directly back into the community by creating jobs and providing services / products that are in demand, helping to shape the community’s identity.

 

Small businesses foster personal relationships between business owners and customers. They solidify partnerships and seamlessly create interwoven networks with similar goals.

 

Start local. Get involved in community initiatives and support or even develop your own. Identify something you see as being needed and sponsor a clean-up, fundraiser or rally to raise awareness (and not-so-shamelessly promote your business!).

 

Consider sponsoring a charity. Do your research and make sure it has clear ties to supporting your community directly. Don’t pick arbitrarily. What you support is a representation of both your business and yourself.

 

Remember that giving back can help your business.

 

Offer Volunteer Days to your employees, encouraging them to use a much needed day off to help others. This is a paid day off, spent helping the community - it’s a win-win!

 

Involvement in the community promotes awareness of you and your business, paints you in a positive light, and encourages customers to try you out. Joining the Chamber of Commerce, sponsoring a sports team, or creating a scholarship or fundraising initiative are great ways to start.