“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” — Vincent Van Gogh.
Small businesses are vital to their communities and beyond. From creating jobs to supporting local causes, they can make a real difference in the world. But how do small businesses do it? Here are ten practical ways with real-life examples to inspire small businesses to make a social impact.
Support Local Non-profits and Charities
One of the easiest ways small businesses can make a difference is by supporting local non-profits and charities. You don’t have to donate big to make an impact. For example, a local café might have a “Charity Day” where a percentage of sales goes to a local food bank. Or a fitness studio could partner with a nearby animal shelter and offer free classes in exchange for donations.
These connections can cement relationships within the community and show customers you care about more than just the bottom line.
Go Green with Sustainable Practices
Sustainable practices are a great way to show you care about the environment. Small businesses can make eco-friendly changes like using energy-efficient lighting, reducing plastic usage, or sourcing products locally to reduce their carbon footprint.
Take the example of a small boutique that uses recycled bags for packaging. It’s a small change but one that says a lot to eco-conscious customers. Plus, these practices often save money in the long run, so it’s a win-win.
Give Employees Volunteer Days
Offering employees volunteer days is a valuable perk that has a social impact. By giving employees paid time off to volunteer, you encourage them to give back and create a culture of social responsibility in your business.
For example, Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, gives employees time to volunteer in environmental projects, which boosts morale and loyalty. Even if you can’t give full days off, a few hours can make a difference and motivate employees to get involved in community service.
Be Ethical in Your Sourcing
Customers are looking for transparency in sourcing. Make sure your products come from suppliers who put ethical labor practices and environmental sustainability first. That way, you’re not just selling products. You’re selling a commitment to humane treatment and respect for the planet.
For example, a coffee shop that sources fair-trade coffee beans not only supports farmers with fair wages but also creates a more sustainable business model. Ethical sourcing can also be a big selling point, as customers are actively looking for companies that practice what they preach.
Go Digital to Reduce Waste, Think Smart
One way to reduce your footprint is to go digital where you can. For example, instead of traditional paper business cards, consider using a digital business card app. Digital business cards are eco-friendly, easy to share and can be updated without having to reprint them.
Just imagine meeting a potential client at a networking event, and instead of handing them a paper card, you can share your digital business card with a tap. Not only is it convenient, but it also shows you’re committed to reducing waste and being innovative.
Inclusive Hiring
Inclusivity should be a top priority for any business that wants to make a social impact. An inclusive hiring policy means looking for diverse talent and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds. This doesn’t just create a more interesting and dynamic workplace; it also tells your customers and the community that your business values equality and diversity.
For example, if your business is located in an area with a large immigrant population, think about how your team can reflect that diversity. Offering bilingual services or hiring staff from different cultural backgrounds can make your business more welcoming and accessible to everyone.
Health and Wellness Initiatives
Promoting a healthy lifestyle is another way to make a positive impact on your community. This could be through employee wellness programs or partnering with local gyms to offer discounted memberships.
A simple example could be a small marketing agency partnering with a yoga instructor to offer free weekly classes to employees and community members. It doesn’t have to be expensive—think creative and community-focused. Health and wellness initiatives promote a happier, more productive workforce, which can benefit your business directly.
Educate and Raise Awareness of Social Issues
Small businesses can be a platform to raise awareness of social issues. For example, a café could host open mic nights on climate change or social justice or a bookstore could host events on diverse authors or underrepresented voices.
As a small business, you have a unique voice and customer base that trusts you. Use your platform to raise awareness—whether through social media or in-person events—to start conversations and encourage community engagement.
Greyston Bakery in New York is a great example. This small bakery operates with an “Open Hiring” policy, which means anyone who wants a job can get one without a background check. This policy is about providing opportunities for people who may have faced barriers to employment, such as formerly incarcerated individuals. Greyston’s commitment to second chances has given them loyal customers and raised awareness around employment equity. Who would have thought a bakery could make such a big social impact?
Buy-One-Give-One Program
Many big brands run buy-one-give-one programs, but small businesses can do this on a local level, too. This works particularly well if your product meets a basic need like food, clothing, or hygiene items.
For example, a bakery could offer a program where, for every loaf of bread purchased, another is donated to a local homeless shelter. This simple act can make a big difference to those in need and shows you care.
Promote Other Small Local Businesses
Sometimes, making an impact is about lifting others up. By working with or promoting other small businesses, you create a support network that benefits everyone. Consider hosting local makers in your store, partnering with local food vendors, or sharing their stories on your social media.
For example, a small coffee shop could host “local maker” days where they invite nearby makers to sell their wares. Not only does this benefit the other businesses, but it also attracts new customers who may have never been to your shop before.
Conclusion
Making an impact doesn’t have to be big; it’s often about small, intentional actions. As a small business owner, every step you take to support your employees, customers, and community adds up. Whether it’s going eco, offering a digital business card app to reduce waste, or supporting other local businesses, the key is to be consistent.
Customers notice these efforts and are more loyal to businesses that reflect their values. So, as you implement these ideas, know you’re building a reputation that will resonate with your community and beyond.
Start small, think big, and watch your positive impact grow.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.