As an entrepreneur and small business owner, you are the life blood of this region. You make the daily decisions that affect your family, company, neighborhood and community.
One of the best decisions you can make to strengthen your business and the community in which you live and work is to join the United Way Small Business Initiative.
Started in 2009, the Small Business Initiative is designed to encourage small business owners to band together and make this region a better place for us all. Here’s why United Way is so effective: United Way of Greater St. Louis helps 1 in 3 people in our community by partnering with nearly 200 local agencies. Instead of focusing on one single cause or issue, we focus on hundreds of them, helping the community as a whole.
Go to www2.stl.unitedway.org/smallbusiness to make a pledge. Or, connect with us on Facebook.
Benefits
Contributes to a positive marketing strategy. People often prefer to patronize businesses they see as supportive and giving back to the community.
The more you give, the more you receive. The benefits only increase when you go beyond simply donating and become an engaged and active supporter. United Way offers a means to connect with the broader community through serving on boards or allocation panels and attending events. These connections serve to expand your network. Build company morale. Workers like to have pride in their workplace, and donating money, time, and talent together helps to build teamwork and contributes to a positive company culture.
Connect to volunteerism. United Way’s volunteer center gives you the chance to volunteer in a way that works best for you, whether its once a month, once a week or once a year. You can also set up projects for your entire company to do together. Positive for the community. A strong network of nonprofit organizations leads to a healthier community as a whole. When the local community suffers, businesses suffer – from a loss of customers to the loss of a qualified labor pool that contributes to businesses’ stability and sustainability.
Connect with area leaders. Additionally, when you pledge a gift of $1,000 or more you are eligible to join the United Way Leadership Giving Initiative where you can connect with like-minded civic leaders at exclusive events.
How to join
United Way Small Business is one of the easiest ways you can help your neighborhood. Go to www2.stl.unitedway.org/smallbusiness to make a pledge.
Small Business cabinet
Frank Hamsher, independent consultant, 2009-2010 chair
Bill Albinson, Team Four, Inc
Ron Ameln, Small Business Monthly
Ann Auer, Missouri Growth Association
Bethany Budde, SQWIRES
Patrick Clarkin, Charles L. Crane Agency
Darcella Craven, Veteran's Business Resource Center
Tiffany Hamilton, Hamilton Realty
Dr. Sean Lynch, Balancing: A Chiropractic Wellness Center
Tony Metzner, Adams-Gabbert & Associates
Andrea Obert, Northwestern Mutual
Bob Peters, Active Angels in Home Health Care
Katie Ryan, Illustrated Man Productions
Dorothy White-Coleman, White Coleman & Associates