We are so excited to introduce Episode 022 of With Grace and Gold: The Podcast — a business education podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. With Grace and Gold: The Podcast features 5-minute episodes with clear, actionable steps to guide you toward successful small business ownership. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Anchor, Spotify, or elsewhere!

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve not only done a great deal of personal self-reflection, but we’ve also been in awe as the world’s collective voices have joined in unison to fight racism. 

We’ve learned and determined ways we can actively be anti-racist, ways we can actively make the world a better place for people and for communities near and far.

While we know being actively anti-racist will require seasons upon seasons of learning, unlearning, and daily, personal and professional decisions — today, we wanted to share how to incorporate giving into your business, to begin the journey of serving people beyond the products and services you provide through your business. 

Incorporating philanthropy into your business is just one small way you can use your business for good — so we are hopeful today’s episode serves as encouragement that, our collective voices and actions are changing and can continue to change the world. 

How to Incorporate Philanthropy Into Your Business

One of the best parts of being a small business owner is being able to use your gifts and talents to  serve people well. When you share your gifts and talents through products and services, in some way, shape, or form you’re making someone’s life easier, better, or more enjoyable. You’re creating value for someone in a way only you can.

But what if our businesses could be about more than the products and services we offer? What if we could use our businesses to raise awareness about issues and causes we care about? What if we could use our businesses to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized or silenced? What if we could use our businesses to give to people in need or organizations working on their behalf? 

Being an activist and an ally will look differently for each person… but for now, three ways to incorporate philanthropy into your business are:

1. Donate products, services, or money. Donating your products and services can make a difference. Donating money to people or to organizations can make a difference. Maybe you can donate all revenue from a specific product, or maybe you can donate a percentage of revenue across all of your products. Whatever you choose, donating products, services, or money can make a difference for the person or people you’re serving. Your giving has a ripple effect, so whether you start small or start big, know your generosity matters. 
2. Donate your time. The work you do within your business matters, but so does the work you do outside of your business. Maybe you can schedule a weekly, monthly, or quarterly volunteer day. Maybe you can invite past clients, friends, or family members to volunteer alongside you. Your actions matter and can make a difference. 
3. Partner with a person or organization. There is strength in numbers. Can you partner with another person or another organization to amplify a message or to bring more attention to a cause? How can you use your social media platforms to amplify others’ voices? How can you expand your reach and collaborate with others in a meaningful way?

These are just 3 ways to incorporate philanthropy into your business. How you learn, unlearn, give, grow, and act is up to you — and we are so hopeful today’s episode serves as encouragement that our collective voices and actions are changing and can continue to change the world. 

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About Brand It, Build It Podcast, Hosted by Kelly Zugay

Hosted by Kelly Zugay, co-founder of With Grace and Gold, The Brand It, Build It Podcast is a leading small business marketing podcast for small business owners, creatives, founders and entrepreneurs. Enjoy weekly, actionable episodes to build a successful, sustainable small business from the inside out.