Beyond Profit: How Small Businesses Can Inspire Big Change
If you're afraid to act because your efforts are just a drop in the ocean, you're not alone. Many small business owners downplay their ability to drive positive change. Yet, small businesses have a hidden advantage when it comes to social change. They have more direct and close relationships with consumers, meaning even small, everyday actions can have a big impact. But where do they start?
In this blog, we discuss how small businesses inspire big change. Khristina Andrews, the Founder of Optimized EA, also shares some valuable insights on how businesses can help drive positive change while achieving financial success.
Why Small Businesses Can Inspire Big Change
Working towards positive social change requires a collective effort, and small businesses can chip in, too!
Let's take a look at some key reasons why small businesses are well-positioned to make a big social impact:
Close Touch With Stakeholders: Small businesses can leverage their direct connection with employees, customers, and partners to push for change. When a small business takes a stand on a social or environmental issue, other stakeholders are more likely to listen and join in.
Leveraging Network: Entrepreneurs are well-connected (think suppliers and partners to local chambers, industry groups, and social networks). When a small business takes the initiative for a good cause, its reach often extends far beyond its immediate customers, influencing its broader professional circles and collaborators.
Clearer Understanding of Social Issues: Unlike large corporations with multiple layers of management, small businesses engage with consumers at a more personal level. This direct connection to the community often means small businesses have a clear picture of local issues and can have a more direct and personal impact.
Community Leadership & Influence: Businesses are often seen as trusted voices in their local communities. By advocating for change on the issues they care about, small businesses can influence, not just customers, but also other businesses and policymakers.
How Small Businesses Can Create Positive Impact
So, what strategies can small businesses use the influence they have to contribute to lasting positive change?
Inclusive Hiring Practices: Diversity doesn’t just happen; you have to build it. Expand where you recruit and be open to nontraditional backgrounds. The global talent pool is a huge advantage for remote businesses. Go beyond your immediate network and consider hiring from underrepresented regions or different socioeconomic and/or cultural backgrounds.
“Small businesses may not have DEI departments, but they have the ability to create a human-centred work culture. That’s way more powerful than any corporate policy.”
Maintaining Ethical Values: One of the biggest ethical pitfalls is compromising values for growth. While the pressure to cut corners or stay quiet can be overwhelming, small compromises can add up fast. Staying true to your values isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business. Integrity builds trust, and trust is what keeps customers coming back.
Establishing a Positive Work Environment: A business's work environment directly impacts employees' productivity and long-term happiness. That said, a positive work environment doesn't happen by accident. Business leaders have to be intentional about creating a workplace where everyone feels heard and respected.
“Hiring is just the first step. You have to make sure people feel like they belong. Inclusion is about creating a space where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Small businesses may not have DEI departments, but they have the ability to create a human-centred work culture. That’s way more powerful than any corporate policy”
Encourage Employees to Give: One of the easiest ways small businesses can help drive change is by encouraging employees to support good causes. Even small actions, like donating their time and skills to support good causes, can positively impact lives.
“Start by looking inside your business first. Impact doesn’t mean grand gestures. It can be as simple as paying people fairly, creating an inclusive work culture, choosing ethical suppliers or clients, and using your voice. Everyday decisions shape the kind of business you run and the ripple you make.”
The key is consistency. Small, intentional actions add up. If every business committed to one small ethical change, the collective impact would be massive.
Ethical Supply Chain Optimization: Small businesses can inspire change by working with brands that do good. Partnering with vendors, service providers, or contractors that have a positive mission and purpose can help drive meaningful impact.
Setting New Industry Standards: Change starts small. When small businesses adopt better practices, they challenge competitors to follow suit. Over time, these shifts create new industry norms that force larger players to adapt, too.
Looking Forward
At Optimized EA, we recognize the role of small businesses in making the world a better place by doing good. We'd love to be a part of your journey as you strive to achieve your goals and drive meaningful change. Together, we can achieve success while leaving a lasting positive impact. To learn more about our award-winning services, contact us today or give us a call now at +1 (412) 206-1223.