Community Engagement within Small Business

Community engagement has historically been considered an important policy of many medium to large companies. However, it can be equally important for small businesses. Companies that emphasize community involvement can preach its positive benefits in many ways such as better workplace culture, strengthening sense of purpose, fostering good faith, and increasing customer trust.

In many ways, small businesses are the community themselves. In New York City, there’s no end to the loyalty expressed by Brooklynites’ favorite local deli. But taking it to the next level and actually giving back to the community in a meaningful way expands that loyalty even further.

Aside from the obvious point of improving the place you call home, getting involved in your community creates those essential bonds that establish a business’s loyal customer foundation. In the city of Flint, many businesses abide by a creed to make Flint a great place to “Live, work, and play”. This mindset can be taken and applied to your business to build a better community and ensure stable economic growth. People who are affected by local businesses want to support them. Stimulating your local economy, in turn, affects and supports everyone in that environment. This positive feedback loop is the essence of what we should try to achieve when fostering community involvement.

But what are the best ways you can support your community as a business owner or consumer? Of course, you can always reach out to your city’s chamber of commerce, but also consider partnering with local organizations, donating some of your products or services, offering discounts to heroes in the community, and transitioning to eco-friendly production or services!

Any of the actions or plans can help you give back to your community in a meaningful way by increasing consumer trust, fostering good faith, strengthening sense of purpose, and building a better workplace culture!