Times are tough right now for many businesses. When they say, “May you live in interesting times”. It’s unfortunately not a blessing of future wellbeing. I know many businesses, no matter who you voted for, are feeling the pinch of not being able to find staff, costs rising on things outside of anyone’s control, like a bad coffee bean harvest, for example, and other challenges.
As a small business owner myself, I try to give back to the community as much as I can, but it seems like sometimes it’s just not enough, and I’ve talked to many other business owners who have felt and feel similar.
None of these suggestions are anything new or earth shaking, but I thought it might be helpful to condense some ways a business owner might further contribute to their local communities if you feel like there are things going on that you have no control over and feeling “stuck” or unmotivated. And maybe you need to do “more”.
Taking part or getting involved more on a local level is something as small businesses IMO we should do anyway, but sometimes we don’t have the time, the motivation, or the incentive. These cost little to no money and can bring back to a business marketing and branding exposure, plus the knowledge that you are contributing to your local community, and sometimes that comes back to you in spades in terms of knowing you helped others. As a small business mentor, it’s one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life and it helps keep me going.
- Use social media, emails, or posters to share local help like food banks or mental health services.
- Give advice related to your field, like job tips or budgeting help (or other expertise).
- Be a volunteer small business mentor. SCORE.org, MicroMentor, CWE
- Volunteer in the community. Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross etc.
- Promote other small businesses and non-profits in your area.
- Let local artists or service providers use your space.
- Host free classes or networking events.
- Offer a quiet space with Wi-Fi for students or remote workers.
- Set up a donation box for food, clothes, or supplies.
- Set aside a portion of new income to donate to food pantries or for people with food insecurities or other needs.
- Organize volunteer events for employees and customers.
- Offer “pay-what-you-can” pricing for key items or services.
- Allow flexible payment plans for struggling customers.
- Recognize local heroes like teachers and healthcare workers.
- Plan small community events, in person and online.
- Give free resume reviews or career coaching.
- Connect job seekers with opportunities through your network.
- Provide free consultations in your area of expertise.
- Teach free or low cost classes on business, budgeting, or job skills (or other expertise).
- Let nonprofits or local groups use your space for free.
- Set up a bulletin board for local resources.
- Allow customers to prepay for items or services for those in need.
- Offer small rewards for donating to local causes.
- Use social media to highlight fundraisers and community needs.
- Share inspiring local stories to boost morale.
- Offer internships or job training for students.
- Sponsor school programs or small scholarships.
- Give workers paid time to volunteer.
- Match donations employees make to charities.
- Donate leftover goods instead of throwing them away.
- Reward customers who recycle or support sustainability.
- Offer stress-relief activities like mindfulness or support groups.
- Share resources for mental health support.
- Partner with local nonprofits.
- Create a neighborhood help board or digital forum.
- Start a community garden in unused spaces.
- Host/teach free cooking classes for those with food insecurities or ones that need help with nutrition and meal planning.
- Start a POD (Print on Demand Business) and donate a good portion of profits to local non-profits, food banks/charities etc. POD businesses are free or low cost to start up.
- Volunteer to be on a local non-profit board of directors.
