Small business donations are crucial to many community events. But how many businesses actually include donations in their planning? Photo (CC) by bjmccray on Flickr.
The fact that small businesses are at the core of our economic system probably does not come as a surprise.
Estimates on the number of small businesses suggest that they make up 90 percent or more of the total number of businesses in the U.S.
In small communities, the number and importance of small businesses is even greater. These businesses provide the community with the goods and services they need.
Small-business owners are not only a key in what might be considered the traditional economic system, but the owners often hold a similar role in the overall fabric of the community. They not only provide support for various community and charitable events, but they are members of various civic and charitable organizations, often taking a leadership position.
Although no clear amounts exist in terms of the dollars or hours contributed to local communities, case studies of communities invariably point to the support provided by local business owners. Often the words used to describe that support indicate its importance and value, which extends far beyond the actual worth and gets into its intrinsic worth.
As a result, small-business owners need to include donations of time and money into their planning strategy. Being a good citizen by showing community responsibility is crucial for a business, but at the same time, these small donations can mount up during the course of the year.
Often business owners may not realize just how much they provide in terms of dollars until tax time. In addition, the time lost from the business is rarely, if ever, tracked.
Business owners need to have a visible presence in supporting the community. Yet they also must plan how much and in what areas they want to support. They need to think in terms of strategic donations.
Admittedly, some donations are made just because an issue or a program is of personal interest to the owner. Yet for the majority of contributions, business owners need to include it in their yearly planning.
Developing a yearly community support plan means taking a historical look at past requests. Then business owners need to prioritize which of these are more important to the business and them.
After ranking the list, the next step is to consider the amount of support and whether it will be in terms of cash, goods or services, time or some combination of all three.
Business owners must focus their efforts on maximizing their return, whether extrinsic or intrinsic, from community support efforts.
Businesses, like individuals, have a responsibility to the community in which they are located. Successful businesses understand and accept that responsibility. However, in doing so, their goal is a win-win-win situation for the community, their business and themselves.
So as a small-business owner, step up and step out with your support. But do so with a focus on your business in mind.
Glenn Muske is the Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service – Center for Community Vitality. Follow Glenn on Twitter: @gmuske
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Glenn Muske is an independent expert on rural small business, working as GM Consulting – Your partner in achieving small business success. He provides consulting, and writes articles for county extension agents and newspapers across North Dakota. Previously, he was the Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service – Center for Community Vitality.
You’re right. A business without a social responsibility should not be a business at all. Conducting a business is not so you can buy all the stuff you want. It is so you can help more people.
Ivan, I’d certainly like to see more businesses take social responsibility into account.
I have recently been looking for ways to get my small business involved in the community as we approach our launch. I would like to see it start as a member of the community. I think this is a very important aspect that a lot of businesses miss, but that really creates good customers and a loyal following.
Thanks Joshua for the comment. And I am glad to hear you are looking for ways to become part of the community. Sometimes it may seem like this effort isn’t paying off immediately but most research shows it does pay off in the long run. Good luck.