Charleston gives a lot to its small business community. It provides an unbeatable lifestyle, a collaborative tech community, and extraordinary support systems, like the Harbor Entrepreneur Center and Women Entrepreneurs of Charleston. Last year, Yelp launched its Local Economic Outlook report revealing which cities offer the most opportunities for small businesses and Charleston placed fifth. As a business owner, I can attest to the city’s supportive environment.
That is why #1 on my company’s New Year’s Resolution list is to continue to give back to Charleston. And I urge all businesses to do the same. Volunteer your services, your product, your time. Give some of your employees a day off to work with a local not-for-profit.
Not only does the community benefit, but your employees will come back energized, feeling good about themselves and proud about where they work.
Last year, a group of Advantage|ForbesBooks employees volunteered with Operation Home to build a wheelchair ramp for a Lowcountry family, helped Charleston Animal Society with their Oyster Roast, and planted over 6,000 bulbs to help beautify Colonial Lake.
Get suggestions from your employees about the kind of volunteer work they’d like to do. Collect food for the Lowcountry Food Bank. Create a community garden with the Charleston Parks Conservancy. Put together a team for a charity run.
Most of all, remember you are part of the Charleston community and if you’ve been fortunate enough to receive, be thoughtful enough to give back. Make it your company’s priority as you enter 2019.
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