Resources for Small Businesses

If you’re ready to set up a corporate social responsibility program, here are some resources that will help. You’ll find information that underscores why it’s important to your business to take that step, as well as guidance about what types of programs are possible, how to set them up, and their benefit to both your business and society.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA’s “What Your Small Business Needs to Know” will tell you how to get started, the types of business structures that support CSR programs, and how a CSR program can help drive employment recruitment.

SCORE. The business mentoring organization provides a statistical infographic that highlights the growing impact of CSR programs in the business world. Among the statistics: 55% of customers are willing to pay more for products from socially responsible companies.

Forbes Magazine. The story “How Small Businesses Are Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility Missions” provides information on a survey by UpCity, a business networking platform. Among other things, the survey shows 67% of businesses practice sustainability and 54% allow customers to donate a portion of their purchase to charity.

Harvard Business Review. Small businesses have an advantage over larger businesses with CSR programs, according to HBR’s story, Businesses Know About Corporate Responsibility.” The advantage, it reports: Small business owners are closer to their communities every day and can more easily see what issues matter the most.

Business News Daily. In “14 Great Examples of Socially Responsible Businesses,” companies that put social good at the heart of their business are listed. The story notes that consumers are paying attention to what your company supports, how you create your products and the impact you have on the environment.

Investopedia. The website provides examples and types of corporate social responsibility, as well as showing how CSR programs can improve the morale of employees.