How Small Business Can Give Back This Holiday Season
This holiday season, small business owners have the opportunity to take a step back from their day-to-day operations and give back to their local community. Here are just a few ways you can show your appreciation and make a lasting impact on your hometown this winter.
7 Ways Your Small Business Can Show Gratitude During the Holidays
- Donate to A Local Charity On Behalf of Your Customers – Many business owners are passionate about a cause or local charity, and so are their clients! An always appreciated holiday gift is to make a donation on behalf of your clients. Consider targeting causes that are close to your heart – whether it be animal rescue centers, environmental initiatives, food banks or other worthy causes. Yes, your business gets the credit – but you and your clients know that this will encourage other businesses to donate too, and that’s the bottom line, right?
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- #DYK GivingTuesday is Tuesday, November 29 – Many small businesses participate in GivingTuesday and support a local charity. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Businesses and individuals across the country and around the globe take action to support local, national, and global causes.
- Sponsor a team in a local Habitats for Humanity homebuilding project. You can sponsor a team on behalf of your customers, and invite your clients to participate, coordinate team building activities and buy team swag for a local build.
- Create a Toys for Tots donation drop at your office (don’t forget about children from 8 to 15, they need love, attention – and presents! – as well)
- Sponsor A Meaningful Event –Hosting an event is another way to directly help out your local community while also bringing attention to your business. You can partner with a local charity, school or organization and host a fundraiser, or create an event specifically for members of the community who could use some extra holiday cheer.
- Adopt a Nonprofit – Work with a local nonprofit’s staff to find out their wish list, and check off those items on the wishlist! Whether you partner with other small businesses, or adopt the nonprofit on your own, you’ll be helping them meet their mission with things they really need.
- Adopt a Family –Many churches and community organizations have families in need and a Christmas wishlist for every member of the family. Usually done anonymously, you can usually request families with teens, with infants, or multi-generational and the sponsoring organization will try their best to match you to a family in need.
- Offer Discounts or Free Services to Those In Need –If you’re feeling generous during the holidays, why not offer discounted services or even provide them for free? This could be anything from offering a discounted rate on car repairs to giving away meals at your restaurant – it all depends on what your small business does.
- Volunteer Your Time –Nothing is more valuable during the holidays than time! If you’re short on budget or capacity for donations or hosting an event, don’t forget that your own time is also valuable! Look into volunteering opportunities with local soup kitchens and homeless shelters – the extra help during the holiday season will make all the difference. Organize a team of volunteers – co-workers, colleagues, friends – and offer to fully staff a shift or an event.
- Spotlight Local Causes on Your Social Media – An inexpensive but thoughtful way to show gratitude and support is to spotlight local causes and charities on your social media accounts. Post a picture of a cause or charity with a little background information, and invite your followers to Like, Follow and support them.
Show Gratitude This Holiday Season By Giving Back to Your Community
It’s the season of giving back. No matter how small or large your contribution is this season, it will make a lasting impact on your community and remind you of how important your community is to your business. Show your neighbors that you care this holiday season and give back to those who need it most!