Creative Ways Small Businesses Can Make a Big Community Impact (Without Spending Thousands)

Running a small business doesn’t mean you can’t create meaningful change. 🌱✊

When I had brick & mortar shops, and now even as a mostly online stationery brand, I’ve found creative ways to use my business as a platform for community impact. Because let’s be honest: sometimes writing a big check just isn’t in the cards (though that’s obviously amazing when you can).

Still, small acts add up. If you’re a shop owner wondering how to align your business with your values, here are a few ways I’ve used mine to give back...no million-dollar donations required.

Donate Inventory or Run a Supply Drive

Got extra inventory sitting around? Consider donating them. For example, we’ve given art supplies to local after-school programs. I’ve also seen huge success with supply drives. Ask your customers to help collect art, school, or hygiene supplies for a cause you care about.

Run a Donation Campaign Around One Product

You don’t need to overhaul your whole store, just pick one item. For example, I’m currently selling Creative Kind hats with a portion of proceeds going to support local migrants. Limited-time campaigns like these are easy for customers to get behind and create a sense of shared purpose.

Embrace a Non-Traditional Hiring Mindset

Not everyone has a degree, but many people bring passion, experience, and fresh perspective. I’ve always prioritized potential and values alignment over résumés, and it’s led to some of the best team relationships I’ve had.

Support Your Team with Optional Skill-Building

From Canva tutorials to vendor events, offering your team access to optional training helps them grow professionally and personally. It’s an investment that builds confidence, loyalty, and long-term community leaders.

Share Your Space With Local Organizations

If you have a physical storefront, consider offering space for local groups to host a table, meet customers, or hold small gatherings. It doesn’t take much, but the visibility and connection are powerful.

Make Sustainable Shipping Choices

I ship using recycled boxes and paper fill. It's not perfect, but better. Small swaps like this help reduce waste and signal your values to your customers.

Normalize Transparency

I’ve made a habit of sharing where our dollars go, whether it’s supplier info, shipping costs, or how we price our goods. It builds trust and shows customers the human side of running a values-led business.

Hire Local Artists & Contractors

From product collaborations to legal support and branding, I love hiring local contractors. It keeps dollars in the community and creates more opportunities to connect.

Share Fundraisers and Events

Use your social channels or newsletter to highlight grassroots fundraisers, mutual aid groups, or events happening in your neighborhood. It costs nothing but can go a long way in getting attention on important causes.

Buy Secondhand Fixtures and Furniture

Our display pieces are almost all secondhand. It’s more sustainable and more affordable. Plus, it adds charm and character to your space.

✨ Something I Wish I Had Done More Of...

Coordinating volunteer events for my team or customers to join. It’s something I hope to do more of in the future, because people want to help, they just need a way in.

You don’t need to be a massive corporation to make a difference. Small businesses are uniquely positioned to connect directly with their communities and lead by example. Whether you start with one item, one hire, or one event—it all matters.