Small businesses that would like to help out with local schools whether it be fundraising or planning talks to help out with education and lessons, may often think that they’re not as able to help as those large-chain companies who are known for their donations and contributions to local schools in the community. However, small businesses are just as able to give back to local schools as are larger companies, and as a small business owner there are a variety of things that you can do in order to help out local schools in your area. If you’re stuck for ideas, we’ve put together a list of things you can do.
Volunteer Your Skills
If your business is not in a position to donate to a local school financially, donating your skills and expertise is often a great way in which you can give back to the community. Spending some time to give a talk to a class about starting a business, or regarding the industry in which your business is based is a great way to help the children at the school learn about business and entrepreneurship, and might even inspire one of them to start their own business venture when they’re older.
Donate Stock for Fundraising
If your business sells products and/or services, you might be able to donate some to your local school in order to help out with fundraising. Do you own a cake business? A handmade cake is a great raffle prize that will go down well at a school fundraising event. Printing businesses can also use their services to help fundraise, such as this business which prints Christmas cards designed by pupils for school fundraising campaigns.
Let Pupils Volunteer
Under the supervision of a teacher, allowing pupils from your local school to volunteer in your shop or store is a great way to give back to the school, community, and help young kids learn about customer service and retail. Something just as simple as packing bags for customers or helping customers carrying bags to their car is something that school children will be able to do quite easily, and many customers will be willing to donate some of their spare change to a good cause in return for the help.
Donate Items and Money
Replacing your computer system? Before you sell it or throw it away, why not consider donating it to your local school. Schools are always in need of electronic and stationary items, and will usually be happy to take any of your unwanted stock that they can use. If your business is financially able to, you may want to consider donating a percentage of your profits each month or quarter to the school.
Why not get your customers involved as well – keep a donation tin for your local school on your counter, sell craft items made by the pupils, or ask customers if they’d like to donate a percentage of their spend to help out a local school in the community.
