Guest post contributed by Anya Willis of Fit Kids.
A note from Diana: Working with others to do good deeds is part of what we’re put on this earth to do. It’s great for our emotional health and our physical health! For a new small business, it’s also an incredible way to nurture relationships with others. Engaging with your community to do good can help to build trust and grow your business. This article is a great resource for learning how to do exactly that!
Always wanted to start your own business? Well, it’s never been a better time to do so – according to Small Business Trends, over five million new small businesses set up shop in 2021, a new record. And what better place to run your empire than from the comfort of your small town? Today, we share how you can leverage (and learn from) your roots.
Why Community Is Critical
Why is community even necessary, you may well ask. Why should you care about the community when you have a million things on your plate? Here are some of the main reasons community is so compelling:
- You’ll strengthen your business reputation and create brand goodwill
- You’ll be creating connections and networks with other business owners who will be invaluable down the line
- You’ll benefit financially from local support and the strengthening of the local economy
And engaging with the community doesn’t need to be expensive either! According to Forbes, hiring locally from the pre-existing talent pool has many benefits, and is a great place to start. Another option is to source materials and products from other local businesses and manufacturers. Lastly, you could also support sub-communities in the region by prioritizing disabled or veteran hires – this is a great way to give back to these groups and empower them too!
If you still have reservations about launching your business right now, another way you can move your entrepreneurial dreams forward is by going back to school for a master’s degree such as an MBA. Fortunately, online degree programs make it easy to achieve your diploma while still working full-time or tending to family obligations. When looking for an online school, ensure it’s accredited and that it offers competitive tuition rates.
Show Your Neighbors Some Love
Small communities are all about supporting and uplifting each other. If you’re new to town, one of the first steps you should take is to get to know your local community. Talk to other small business owners and learn more about how you can support them – for example, by displaying their products in your store or handing out flyers when customers walk in. Getting in touch with your local chamber of commerce is also a great way to network and embed yourself in your community’s DNA. You’re helping other businesses succeed (meaning they will return the favor) while keeping yourself top of mind.
Volunteer and Sponsor
Small communities will likely have tons of sponsorship opportunities. From sports teams to food festivals, find a cause you can get behind and back it. You’ll benefit by helping keep your community going while donating to a good cause (and getting a tax break). If you can’t donate money, volunteer your time and effort. You can do this by helping out with organizing and planning, or offering merchandise and products for the event. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure through the event’s promotional material!
Funding Opportunities
Taking your business to new heights requires funding. After all, having heavy pockets will enable you to scale, take on new employees, and invest in more equipment and resources. Luckily, as a small business owner, you have many grant opportunities available to you. Check out grants like the Growth Grants from the National Association for the Self-Employed. To qualify and successfully receive these grants, you’re going to need basics in place like a business plan and grant application. In addition, look out for funding opportunities specifically for your niche or industry. If you’re a business owner with disabilities, you can narrow down funding opportunities for your situation as well.
Takeaway
Starting a new business doesn’t need to be complicated or daunting. Sometimes it is as simple as going back to where you came from. Our local communities have a lot of love to give and support to show, which is the ideal starting point for every fledgling business. So take it easy, and congratulations on your new venture!
About the author: For most of her childhood, Anya struggled with her weight. In school, she was bullied because of it, and it wasn’t until she took a yoga class in college that things started to change. Anya now uses her knowledge and love for yoga to help kids find physical activities to keep them happy and moving. Check out her website at https://fitkids.info.
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Cover image photo credit: Photo by Brandy Kennedy on Unsplash
