As key players in their communities, small- to medium-sized businesses can play a vital role in the ongoing success and vitality of their local area. Whether it’s by providing jobs or internship opportunities to local job seekers or sponsoring community or school events, there are a multitude of ways entrepreneurs can give back to those who support their business every day.
Below, 14 business leaders from Forbes Business Council share some of their top recommendations for real, genuine ways small- to medium-sized businesses can give back to their communities, as well as discuss why it’s so important to do so.
1. Offer Pro-Bono Mentoring
Share important information that you used to be successful with a young and/or disadvantaged person. Then, for an hour every other week (not much at all), guide them on how they can use that information to succeed. Plan on a year’s worth of those meetings and you have single-handedly changed a person’s life forever. Maybe you don’t save the world, but you can save a small part of it. – Robert M. Donaldson, Collaborative Strategies Consulting Inc.
2. Buy And Hire Locally
One way our small business gives back to the community is by hiring and buying locally when possible. Hiring locals helps keep money in our community and provides income for local families. Another great way is buying products locally when you can. I realize that local buying is not always feasible, but, when possible, keep your business deals local. – Jackie Nance-Sons, Native Wildflowers Nursery
3. Support Local Charities Or Community Organizations
Supporting local charities or community organizations could include volunteering, donating resources or sponsoring community events. It creates a sense of unity and camaraderie while contributing to the overall well-being of your community. Our volunteer program brings everyone together for a bigger purpose while contributing to our community and making a difference. – Adam Povlitz, Anago Cleaning Systems
4. Partner With Nearby Schools
Supporting schools is a great way to give back to the community. Businesses can sponsor sports teams, provide scholarships and donate school supplies or equipment. They can also offer student internships, host fundraisers and run business workshops. This contribution strengthens community ties and enhances social impact, ultimately boosting the business’ reputation and customer loyalty. – Onahira Rivas, Florida’s Cotton Clouds
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5. Volunteer As A Team
Choose a local charity and dedicate a day to helping out as a team. It’s a powerful team-building activity that makes a real difference. Giving back supports your community and boosts employee morale while attracting like-minded customers. – Henry Chen, Sapien
6. Support Federal And State Apprenticeship Programs
Support apprenticeship programs at the federal and state levels by signing up on apprenticeship.gov. Devout has been able to support students looking to enter the super competitive IT industry this way. Being involved with your local high school and chamber of commerce also gives you opportunities to support bigger initiatives! – Hitesh Dev, Devout Corporation
7. Donate To A Cause That’s Close To Your Heart
It’s always important to share your success with your employees and your community, and giving to local charities is essential. Pick something close to your heart. We do a project each year, enabling our employees to pick one or two local organizations that we surprise with a donation. Promote it on social media and they also will promote your business as well! Make it all about helping! – Allen Kopelman, Nationwide Payment Systems Inc.
8. Set Up Career Days For Youth
There is this intangible wealth that can truly make an impact when entrepreneurs, founders, teams and companies extend their reach to youth through programs at schools, churches and community events. It can be realized through career days in unique settings that give youth insight into what really goes on in business versus what they may have misconceptions about. Give to win. – Paul L. Gunn, Jr., KUOG Corporation
9. Engage In Projects That Align With Your Values
Small- to medium-sized businesses can give back to their communities by actively engaging in local initiatives or charitable projects that align with their values and mission. For example, in property management, organizing community clean-up events or sponsoring educational programs for underprivileged youth can foster a positive impact while strengthening community bonds. – Johan Hajji, UpperKey
10. Embrace Sustainable Practices
Small businesses can contribute to their communities by embracing and integrating sustainable practices. Sustainability serves as a dual-purpose tool, fostering ethical responsibility within communities while also offering small businesses long-term cost savings. Additionally, it sends a powerful message of commitment, signaling the organization’s dedication to driving lasting societal change. – Kumar Vijayendra, Footsteps LLC
11. Promote Economic Development
To give back to the community, SMEs can do an economic promotion activity in the local area. The more involved your company is in a local area, the more necessary this activity is. It is important to cooperate closely with the community through activities such as the promotion of products and services for the branding of the community, the promotion of local employment and student tours. – Karita Takahisa, UNIFY PLATFORM AG
12. Give Back Through Local Sponsorships
A business’ heartbeat is community engagement. Small- to medium-sized businesses can give back through local sponsorships—sports teams, school events or community projects. These actions build strong, loyal customer relationships, fostering mutual growth and belonging. The impact on employees and the local economy is priceless. Start small. Giving back is an investment in our future. – Aleesha Webb, Pioneer Bank
13. Partner With Local Nonprofits
Small- to medium-sized businesses can genuinely give back to their communities by partnering with local nonprofits to support community initiatives. This can include organizing fundraising events, sponsoring local activities or providing volunteer support. – Shehar Yar, Software House
14. Simply Make The Time To Be Involved
Volunteering, providing internships, partnering with schools and supporting local charities are all great and things that every business owner wants to do. The issue is making the time to be available and enjoying the time that you are pouring into your community. Make the time to be involved. – Archana Williams, CartKaboom
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