A newly launched report from the Nationwide Federation of Unbiased Enterprise (NFIB) reveals that small companies are way over financial drivers of their communities—they’re additionally very important contributors to civic and charitable causes. The findings, revealed by the NFIB Analysis Middle, make clear the in depth volunteerism and monetary assist small enterprise house owners present to native organizations and initiatives.
“This report would possibly come as a shock to some, however not for us at NFIB,” mentioned Anthony Smith, NFIB’s Oregon state director. “It confirms with good information what we already knew about small enterprise house owners in our native communities, throughout the state, and nationwide—they’re extremely beneficiant with their time and assets.”
The report, based mostly on a nationwide survey of NFIB-member companies, provides hanging statistics:
- Volunteerism: Roughly 76% of small enterprise house owners reported volunteering their time for civic teams, charities, youth sports activities applications, faculties, or non secular organizations over the previous yr.
- Monetary Contributions: An awesome 90% of respondents mentioned they supplied monetary assist to native causes inside the similar interval.
- In-Variety Donations: Greater than 63% of small enterprise house owners contributed in-kind assets, similar to offering assembly areas, donating stock, or providing gadgets for fundraising auctions.
The NFIB survey captures a nationwide snapshot of its members, who sometimes make use of between one and 9 folks and report gross annual gross sales of about $500,000.
Small Enterprise Saturday: A Probability to Present Assist
Smith emphasised the significance of group assist through the upcoming vacation season. “November 30 is Small Enterprise Saturday—an important day to kick off the 2024 vacation season by displaying our appreciation for Oregon’s small companies,” he mentioned. “Good gross sales from now till the top of the yr is undoubtedly close to the highest of most small enterprise house owners’ Christmas want lists. We are able to all assist with that.”
He added that whereas small companies search robust gross sales, they typically face challenges like burdensome laws and tax insurance policies, which stay within the palms of policymakers in Salem and Washington, D.C.
The report demonstrates that small companies are integral to their communities past their position as job creators. By way of volunteerism, monetary help, and useful resource sharing, they supply vital assist to civic organizations, faculties, and charities.
For instance, many companies donate extra stock for native causes, provide house for group occasions, or contribute public sale gadgets to lift funds. These acts of generosity underscore the multifaceted position small companies play in enriching their communities.
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