Blog - Trevor Marca | Community Builder

Trevor Marca: 5 Ways That Small Businesses Help The Community

Small businesses are one of the most important aspects of every community. Not only do small businesses “account for 99.7% of all business in the US,” they are also leaders in giving back to the community through charity (Schmid). In fact, a survey conducted last year found that “92 percent of U.S. small business owners… [surveyed] said they personally donate to charities and nonprofit organizations” (Hernandez). To learn more about how small businesses help the community, take a look below.

Local Identity

Small businesses give a community its unique identity. Art galleries, bookstores, cafes, yoga studios, and corner grocery stores add character to the communities that they call home. Many towns are proud of the number of local businesses that inhabit their community. In an effort to attract visitors, local tourism boards often advertise the number of local businesses as a sign of community health.

Community Involvement

The above statistic makes it clear that small business owners want to give back to the communities they live in. Many small businesses sponsor local sports teams or donate money to local charities around the holidays. Since small business owners usually live in the communities where they work, they care about their neighbors. In general, they don’t make decisions that will negatively affect other community members.

Build Relationships

Small businesses benefit from customer relationships. When you visit a local business, it’s very likely that you will meet the owner. Oftentimes, owners make an effort to get to know their customers, learn their names, and remember their preferences. Small businesses don’t have all of the advantages that big businesses have, so they care about providing great customer service and establishing lasting relationships with their customers.

Help the Environment

When numerous small businesses are located in one area, foot traffic is increased and people don’t have to rely on their automobiles as much. This contributes to better air quality. Today consumers are increasingly concerned about the health of the environment. They also care about walkability. Since small businesses tend to be located close to one another, this helps increase a community’s walkability and attract health-conscious residents.

Local Employment

Small businesses provide jobs to community members. When someone can get a job in the area where they live, they don’t have to commute to another city, and they may even be able to walk to work each day. Also, when community members shop at local businesses, they help put money in the pockets of their neighbors behind the counter.

4 Ways Your Business Can Go Green

By Trevor Marca

On November 7, 2016

In Community Builder, Trevor Marca

Each year more and more businesses are adopting green practices. There are numerous benefits for businesses who implement environmentally friendly practices, such as tax advantages and saving money, and positive public response. Below are four different ways your business can go green and make a positive impact.

Recycle

Recycling is crucial in today’s society. It’s important to recycle items such as paper and plastic because the practice adds less waste to landfills. It’s easy for a business to get started with recycling. It’s as simple as setting up recycling cans throughout the organization. Businesses can also get creative with their recycling process. For example, instead of throwing away used and old furniture, businesses can have a contest where employees revamp the furniture for different uses.

Lower Utility Costs

Using LED or CFL light bulbs use less energy and can last up to 20 years. At the same time, they lower your energy bill. Unplugging devices when they’re not in use is also a great way to reduce energy. It may be a good idea for your business to get an energy audit done. An energy audit will help your business develop an energy-efficient plan that is sustainable for the environment.

Implement A Green Space

Landscaping is a fun and great way for your workplace to create a positive impact on the environment. Creating a garden full of plants or even a vegetable garden outside of your building will grab the attention of outsiders and make your employees happier. Studies show that spending time in nature makes people happier. Why not bring nature into the workplace by adding plants to the office space?

Stay Clean With Green

Many offices use harsh chemical cleaners that are toxic to the environment. A great way to make an impact is to buy biodegradable or non-toxic chemicals for use in your office. They only cost about 5% more than regular cleaners but do a lot less harm. Offices can also consider using recyclable kitchen items such as silverware, ceramic plates, and coffee mugs/glasses. Americans throw away over 25 billion styrofoam cups and 2.5 million plastic cups every year. Coffee pods, such as a k-cups create an enormous amount of landfill waste. Using an old-fashioned coffee pot is one of the easiest ways to keep businesses sustainable.

3 Companies That Have A Positive Impact On The World

By Trevor Marca

On September 20, 2016

In Social Entrepreneurship, Trevor Marca

In recent years the concept of social entrepreneurship has become increasingly popular in the business world. A benefit corporation is a new type of corporate entity that relates to social entrepreneurship. Here is the definition of benefit corporations as it appears on Benefitcorp.net:

A benefit corporation is a new legal tool to create a solid foundation for long term mission alignment and value creation. It protects mission through capital raises and leadership changes, creates more flexibility when evaluating potential sale and liquidity options, and prepares businesses to lead a mission-driven life post-IPO. (FAQ)

Certified B corporations are similar to benefit corporations, but there are a few differences that stand out. The most important difference is that in order to become a B Corp a company must have their performance assessed by B Lab. B Lab rates companies based on categories like environment and community.

This post will take a look at three of the most well-known benefit corporations and certified B corporations. Keep reading to learn how these companies are having a positive impact on the world.

Etsy

Etsy is a popular online marketplace that specializes in vintage and handmade items. It is also one of the first B Corps to go public. In order to become a certified B corporation, a company must receive a score between 80 and 200. Etsy currently has a score of 127. Etsy defines itself as a “mindful, transparent, and humane business” (Mission & Values). The company particularly prides itself on its concern for the environment. It helps the environment by setting carbon reduction goals and employing waste reduction practices throughout its offices. The median score that B Lab gives for its environment category is 7. This year Etsy scored a 14.

KickStarter

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding website that was launched in 2009. The site focuses on helping artists and businesses fund their creative ventures. So far the company has helped backers pledge $2.6 billion (About). Kickstarter’s charter features multiple sections that outline the company’s commitment to making a positive impact on the world. For example, one section says “Kickstarter will annually donate 5% of its after-tax profit towards arts and music education, and to organizations fighting to end systemic inequality as further defined in sections 4(c) and 5(c) below (the “5% pledge”)” (Charter). Starting in 2017, the company will release benefit statements that measure the results of its initiatives.

Patagonia

Patagonia is another certified B Corp. The company was founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, a rock climber and environmentalist. Patagonia uses “environmentally preferred” materials to make its clothing (B Corp). Environmentally preferred means that the materials are organic or recycled. As a result of its commitment to the environment, the company has an environment score of 35 and a total score of 114. Patagonia has an entire section of its site devoted to corporate responsibility. It lists information on the company’s attitude toward working with factories, the company’s stance on migrant workers, and the company’s environmental impact. To learn more about the “activist company,” visit this page.

Welcome!

By Trevor Marca

On August 5, 2016

In Community Builder, Trevor Marca

Welcome to Trevor Marca’s Community Builder Blog. Please stay tuned for more updates!

5 Ways That Small Businesses Help The Community

4 Ways Your Business Can Go Green

3 Companies That Have A Positive Impact On The World

Welcome!