Doing a Little Good for Others

This December, even small businesses can be a big part of “doing good” for others. Ninety-five percent of businesses in Canada, and Brampton, are small. If each contributes even in a small way, it will have a big impact. 7500 small Brampton businesses donating just $100 each to charitable organizations could contribute three-quarters of a million dollars by year-end, an extraordinary amount of money! Why leave it to the big firms, when there is so much aggregate potential in the small business sector?

There is so much need in the world, both locally and internationally, that it can be a little overwhelming to choose a charity to donate to. There are many worthy causes; you can’t contribute to all of them, so just pick one, and trust that your fellow small business owners are doing the same. Together, the small business sector can make a substantial difference.

Everyone has their favourite charities; locally, I choose United Way (http://www.unitedwaypeel.org/ways-to-give.html). Internationally, World Vision’s “Equipment to Start a Business” / “Help a Family Start a Business” program resonates well with the staff and clients at the Small Business Enterprise Centre. (https://catalogue.worldvision.ca/Gifts/Forms/Gift.aspx?giftId=2949 )

There is no need to do anything elaborate. It can be as simple as making a one-time, on-line donation from corporate funds; it takes just moments. But if you like co-ordinating promotions or events that have a closer tie to your business, here are a few ideas:
• If you have a business with walk-in clients, collect loonies and toonies throughout the month of December from customers at your front counter.
• Host an open house or other simple event with non-perishable food for your local food bank as an admission fee.
• If making a larger contribution, encourage your suppliers and industry affiliates to match your donation.
• When invoicing, request an optional $5 donation that you will collect and forward on behalf of all of your clients.
• Hold a special sale from which 5% or 10% of the sales revenue becomes a donation.
• Include brief information about your good corporate citizenship on your website, flyers and other marketing pieces

Please don’t feel that you are too small to make a difference. Just do what you can, and know that it will accumulate in a very generous way. Start in a small way this year, and make it a tradition that grows as your business grows.