4 Ways Small Companies Can Contribute to Global Change Small businesses have contributed positively to the growth and development of economies in many ways. They are essential for global sustainability. Here's why.
By Ferrat Destine Edited by Micah Zimmerman
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Small businesses can play an important role in addressing global challenges using their unique perspectives and resources. This is because they can generate new ideas, solve problems and create new products. They can also help to bring down global greenhouse gas emissions. By doing so, they can assist in reducing the impact of climate change on the planet.
Small businesses need to be well structured and have a clear purpose to contribute substantially to local and global economies. By understanding their industry, stakeholders, and environment, they can identify opportunities and seize chances to make a positive impact. Below are some ways small businesses can help create solutions to global challenges that will benefit everyone.
Related: 10 Ways Small Businesses Can Give Back Without Breaking the Bank
1. Dynamism in the marketplace
Most small businesses can respond to shifting economic conditions and counter them quickly. This is because small businesses are typically very focused on their customers. They not only understand the community's requirements but also cooperate with the consumers to produce the best goods possible through customer feedback programs, which many start-ups employ.
Because of this consumer loyalty, small businesses are more likely to survive tough economic times, which can aid in the development of local economies. Small firms may be less at risk of losing money during economic downturns since they generate less income than larger companies.
2. Environment conservation
One of the most talked about challenges facing the global world right now is environmental conservation, and I believe that with the emergence of small businesses, there is a likelihood that environmental conservation can be solved. Small businesses come in handy when dealing with critical environmental issues.
For instance, local businesses tend to set up shops in pre-existing buildings. This alone will minimize the destructive behavior of digging up land for construction. Larger enterprises and organizations frequently have infrastructure created for them, resulting in less green space in society and more dangerous materials. Because tiny enterprises require just a little room, they use the available space, which is what environmental conservation is all about.
Moreover, small businesses have a fruitful relationship with other small manufacturers regarding supply chain and logistics issues, resulting in cheaper products being produced. As a result, it will have a lesser severe environmental impact. Finally, small enterprises tend to locate their community centers in areas where it is more common to walk or ride. As a consequence, fewer customers and staff will have to drive to the establishment.
Related: How Startups and Small Businesses Can Address Climate Change in the Workplace
3. Community development
Small enterprises play an essential role in the community since they contribute to local economies by stimulating development and turmoil in their neighborhood. The issue of unemployment can be addressed through the establishment of small businesses. These small businesses create a pool of skilled and semi-skilled workforce who can come up with mind-blowing ideas to solve major societal problems.
Small businesses require limited education to start, giving the population lacking credible education an equal chance to compete with large companies in the global market. Small enterprises attract people who create new goods or adopt new solutions to old problems. Larger enterprises are also huge beneficiaries of the emergence of small businesses because they tend to outsource talent from small businesses to drive their sales.
4. Revenue collection
When consumers do most of their business with small enterprises, they are more likely to contribute to the community. A successful local firm makes much money, necessitating higher tax payments, including local property taxes. Local police, fire, and education systems may use this money to invest in the community. A successful small business may also increase neighborhood property values, benefiting local residents and raising property taxes for government agencies.
For small enterprises, sales taxes are still another source of revenue. Special taxing districts that concentrate on specific initiatives like lighting and sidewalk repairs to revitalize historic commercial areas and attract new consumers might be built on the support of local companies.
Related: 10 Ways to Make Your Business More Socially Conscious