International Day of Charity is on September 5! It's a big day to come together to support charitable causes and spread kindness. As a small business owner, you're in the position to put your heart into your organization and make a positive impact! Charity isn't just about making donations. It's about the many ways you can give back and make a positive impact, both within and beyond your business. It's also the chance to highlight the incredible work of nonprofits, get your community together and inspire others to get involved. You and your team can celebrate this day by getting creative with your contributions and making a difference in many ways. Embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship and lend a helping hand!
Here are three popular charitable causes to consider launching with your business.
1. Play your part for the planet
We can all agree on the importance of making our planet greener. That's why launching an eco-friendly initiative can be a great focus for your small business to stand on.
For example, you could switch to eco-friendly products, such as recycled office supplies or sustainable packaging. Recycled paper and biodegradable materials break down more quickly and generally require less energy to produce, making them ideal for your everyday business needs.
Switching to energy-efficient lighting and appliances is another way to help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint (this represents a broader measure of the impact of energy consumption on environmental resources). That makes natural lighting a preferred choice if your space has windows, helping reduce eye strain and giving everyone a better mood in the office or store.
Embracing these green practices not only supports the environment, but also enhances your business's reputation and attracts clients that are particularly passionate about environmental activism. It may even help you save some money!
2. Support your community
Another charitable cause for your small business is to support your community and make a difference that you can actually see. It's the backbone of your business! When they support you, it's only right to give back. Plus, contributing to local causes often benefits your business in return.
Get your business's name out there by getting involved in sponsoring community events. Possible events that you can sponsor are local fairs, charity runs, school activities and farmers markets.
Organizing a community clean-up supports both your local community and environmental efforts, addressing two important causes with one impactful initiative.
Donating to local nonprofits or other causes that you're passionate about is also a great way to help your community. Food banks, shelters and school programs are directly impacted by your help!
This is great for your small business because it builds strong relationships with customers, especially with those who are local. The community will also see your business in a positive light. When your community thrives, so does your business.
3. Advocate for diversity and inclusion
As a small business owner, you have the opportunity and platform to influence positive change in society. By aligning your business with important causes, you not only contribute to positive change but also strengthen your brand's identity and connection with your customers.
Commit to a hiring process that values diversity and offers equal opportunities to all candidates. This ensures that your business's workplace reflects a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
Bring some energy to the office by offering training sessions on diversity, equity and inclusion. This is also a fantastic way to mix up your team's routine and inspire them alongside learning together.
There's no doubt that you'll attract like-minded customers and create an environment where everyone feels valued and connected. It's also important to develop policies and practices that support all employees, regardless of their race, gender, age, sexuality or background. Diversity is something that should be celebrated!
Which one of these types of charitable causes speaks to you? After all, it's what truly holds close to your heart that should determine your focus. The more passionate you are about the cause, the more dedicated you'll be to making sure your business is there to support it. Participating in these causes are truly worthwhile, but know that it never hurts to contribute a small percentage of your revenue to help make a difference in what matters to you!
Learn about the different ways that volunteering can actually help your business! Read more here!
Author: Gary Wong
What causes are you passionate about?
Feel free to let us know in the comments below!
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About Stingray Advisory Group LLC: Stingray Advisory Group LLC is based in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, and is a proud member of People First Economy and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We help businesses thrive. By improving our client's sales over 60%, reducing their expenses and boosting their engagement by 40% or more, we enable our clients to refocus on what they love.
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