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7 Ways Small Businesses Can Give Back to the Community

Discover how small businesses in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois can give back while growing stronger. From partnering with local nonprofits to mentoring entrepreneurs, this blog outlines seven meaningful ways to invest in your community—and how doing so builds loyalty, visibility, and long-term success.

As a small business owner in southern Wisconsin or northern Illinois, you know there’s more to running a business than your day-to-day operations—you contribute to the fabric of your community. Your success depends on much more than your business plan, growth models, and sound financial decisions. It depends on the support of your community, whether that be your loyal customers or dedicated workforce. Because you owe your success to those around you, many small businesses look for ways to give back to their local towns and counties. Giving back isn’t strictly altruistic, though. When your business invests in the community, the community will invest in you. The families you support may become loyal customers, and networking through giving back forms connections and opportunities that benefit everyone.
These benefits include:
  • Improving your reputation and trust throughout the community
  • Encouraging customer loyalty
  • Differentiating you from larger chains and competitors
  • Ensuring a future customer base and your business’s success
If you are a business owner looking to make a local impact, this blog shares seven ways that businesses can meaningfully contribute to their community, as well as the benefits it will have for your business.

1.     Partner with Local Nonprofits and Charities

You don’t need to start your own philanthropic organization from the ground up. Collaborating with established local nonprofits and charities is an easy way to support community efforts. Things like sponsoring fundraisers, donating a percentage of sales, or offering complimentary services can raise awareness of your brand while making a meaningful impact.
Partner with organizations that align with your brand. For instance, if you are branded as an environmentally friendly business, you can contribute to local conservation efforts. Are you a family business? Consider aligning with local little leagues or other family-oriented programs.
If you need help finding a reputable local organization, First National Bank and Trust provides this guide to get you started.

2.     Support Community Events

From an annual music festival in Beloit to the Rockton River Market, local events are great opportunities for small businesses to embed themselves into the community. Events that celebrate local traditions—whether they be parades or farmers’ markets—show pride in your town’s culture and connect to people on a personal level. Small businesses can sponsor, participate in, or provide services to events that advertise their products to the public.
Not only does this give back to the community, but it gives you the opportunity to connect and network with new customers and other local business owners.

3.     Create Employee Volunteer Programs

Giving back isn’t all about money. It can be about your time, as well. Many small businesses offer volunteer programs that get their employees involved in local philanthropic efforts. These programs include:
  • Paid volunteer days
  • Group service projects
  • Providing specialized talent to nonprofits
This could be anything from helping with local church renovations to updating an organization’s website. Not only does this benefit your community, but they act as team-building events for your own employees. It can improve morale and pride and will lead to better retention rates.
Highlight your team’s volunteer efforts on social media to encourage others to get involved and position your business as a leader in the community. This will also help attract talent that aligns with your brand and vision.

4.     Launch a Local Scholarship or Internship Program

An investment in young people’s education and training is a unique way that businesses can support their communities. Scholarships for high school students can help people access higher education, either through the form of tuition or even textbooks and technology. Internships allow your employees to mentor young people, introduce them to your field, and provide hands-on work experience. Interns gain transferable skills and you gain potential future employees or customers.
Moreover, an investment in education is an investment in the future of your community, one that you and your business need in order to stay successful.

5.     Charity Products and Services

If you want to get more creative with your giving, consider incorporating philanthropy into your day-to-day operations. Many businesses have “charity products,” whose proceeds benefit a specific organization or cause. For example, you might offer a specific menu item that supports a youth sports league or animal shelter. Other ideas include asking customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donating the difference, or donating a percentage of sales made on a specific day.
Not only does this support community organizations, but customers enjoy knowing they are helping to make direct contributions as well. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.

6.     Mentor Other Local Entrepreneurs

Mentoring local aspiring business owners is another great way to give back to the community. You have valuable experience and knowledge to pass on, and there are many ways for you to accomplish this. From one-on-one mentoring to partnering with local business development groups, investing your time in local commerce is an impactful way to help the community. Mentorship also encourages collaboration. Many small businesses discover opportunities to share resources and cross-promote services through these connections.
What are some ways you can mentor other entrepreneurs? You might:
  • Host free workshops
  • Guide a startup in business planning
  • Offer marketing strategies
  • Workshop entrepreneurs’ business ideas
Strong local economies lead to healthier, more vibrant communities. Through helping your fellow businesspeople, you contribute to the thriving future of your local economic ecosystem.

7.     Lead Sustainability and Community Improvement Efforts

Lastly, businesses can give back by investing in or leading efforts to make communities cleaner and more sustainable. From organizing neighborhood cleanups, planting trees, revitalizing community spaces, or promoting eco-friendly practices, these local efforts show that you are invested in the well-being of the community. These projects don’t need to be overly ambitious. Reducing non-biodegradable materials in your business, encouraging recycling, or partnering with local farmers are small steps that show your commitment to the community.
Customers (especially young customers) often choose to support businesses that align with their values. By demonstrating that you’re a leader in sustainability and community development, your business will stand out as a community-centered and ecologically friendly brand. As with all your efforts, highlighting your philanthropy through social media and local newspapers or newsletters is a great way to draw positive attention to your business.

Partnering with Your Business and Community

First National Bank and Trust knows that small businesses are the backbone of the region. Customers in communities like Janesville, Monroe, Elkhorn, Roscoe, Winnebago, and beyond, frequently choose to spend money in the local businesses. That’s why First National Bank and Trust invests in and supports businesses like yours, and we’re committed to your financial success and your investments into the community.
If you’re interested in improving your local reputation and establishing your business as a community leader, consider partnering with First National Bank and Trust. Contact us or visit one of our many locations today!