Small businesses create two out of every three jobs in this country, accounting for more than half of all private-sector payrolls. So it’s no wonder they are called the backbone of the American economy. When small businesses succeed, the U.S. economy succeeds.
But these days, it’s not easy to be a small business. The pandemic took its toll, and things have only gotten tougher these years. Regulations are rising, competition is stiffer than ever, and access to capital is more difficult.
That’s why it’s so important for small businesses to band together and support one another and the community. That’s where your local construction business can contribute much. Read on to find out what you can do.
It Will Benefit You to Give Back to the Community that Supports Your Business
When you give back to the community, there are three primary benefits for your construction business.
It Helps You Build a Good Reputation
Giving back to the community will show that you care about more than just making a profit. People like to do business with companies that care about more than just making money. When your company is seen as contributing to the community, it can help build trust and goodwill. In turn, this can lead to more customers and referrals.
It Gives You a Sense of Purpose
When you give back to the community, it can help motivate and inspire you and your employees. You will all feel proud to work for a company that is making a difference. This can lead to improved morale and increased productivity.
The best employees want to work for companies with a purpose. When you give back to the community, it can help you attract and retain the best talent.
It Attracts More Customers
Giving back to the community is a great way to get your name out there and attract new customers. When you help out local causes, you make it more likely that people in the community will do business with you.
Now that you know the benefits let’s look at some specific ways your construction company can give back to the community.
Be a Local Business Mentor
You can share your knowledge and expertise with other small businesses in the community. For example, you can offer to mentor a local business owner who is just starting. You can also provide internships for students who are interested in the construction industry.
Invest in Construction Equipment to Rent Out Locally
Local construction companies smaller than yours or sub-contractors cannot afford to purchase their construction equipment. You can invest in construction equipment and rent these out to them.
For instance, you can find a Potain crane for sale that is perfect for smaller building sites where spaces for maneuvering are tight. Smaller projects can make good use of this. By renting it out to them at a fair price, you enable them to get their projects done while making a return on your investment.
Buy Local
You can support other small businesses in the community by buying locally whenever possible. For example, you can buy materials from a local hardware store or hire a local catering company to provide lunch for your employees.
Buying locally is beneficial to you because you need not pay for long-distance shipping costs, which would be higher. Also, it would be easier to exchange products that do not meet your standards.
Hire Local
You can also support the community by hiring locally. This will have a direct impact on the local economy as you would be injecting money into it. Also, when you hire people who live in the community, they are more likely to spend their earnings there as well.
This is a win-win situation for both you and the community. You get the workers you need, and they get to keep their money in the local economy.
Collaborate with Local Businesses
You can collaborate on business projects with other small businesses in the community. For example, you can team up with a local architect to design a building.
This is beneficial because it helps both businesses to save on costs. Also, it can help you to build relationships with other business owners in the community. These relationships can come in handy when you need a favor or want to network.
Donate Time and Resources to Local Community Projects
You and your employees can help with local projects and support local fundraisers and charities in many ways. You can volunteer your time and services, offer to match donations, and make your donations of cash or goods.
Your construction company can also support the community by sponsoring local events and causes. For example, you can sponsor a little league team or donate materials to a local school for a construction project.
There are many ways to give back to the community, and these are just a few examples. By doing so, you can make a difference in the lives of others while also benefiting your business. So, what are you waiting for? Start giving back today!