Let’s address a typical response I hear from entrepreneurs:
“When I’m profitable, I’ll make a social impact.”
🤔 I get it. Businesses need to be sustainable. But here’s the truth bomb: integrating social solutions from the start won’t just build goodwill—it’ll fuel your growth.
Here’s why: Purpose-driven businesses attract value-aligned clients, retain motivated talent, and create a deeper connection with their community. So, let’s ditch the wait-until-I’m-rich mentality and talk about building impact into your business model today.
In a conversation with Jacey Schnarr, founder of Butterfly Ethical Gifting, she mentioned how they pledged to the Upside Foundation of Canada early on. One year in, they committed to donating 1% of their company’s exit proceeds to charity if they ever sold or went public. It was a simple, yet powerful way to align their business with values.
The beauty? Any company can pledge to Upside. You can choose your charity now or wait until you exit to align with the most relevant cause. So, why not lay the groundwork today?
Here are 10 other ways you can make a social impact from day one—no profitability required:
10 Strategies to Weave Social Solutions into Your New Business
- Pledge a percentage of future sales or exit proceeds to charity. Like Butterfly Ethical Gifting, you can pledge a portion of your future revenue or exit proceeds to charity. This future-forward commitment doesn’t impact your cash flow today, but it aligns your business with social good from the start.
- Incorporate sustainable practices
Whether sourcing eco-friendly materials, using ethical suppliers, or reducing your carbon footprint, integrating sustainability into your operations right now sets the tone for responsible business. - Partner with a nonprofit or social enterprise
Align with a nonprofit that reflects your brand’s values. Offer them a portion of sales or services in exchange for partnership visibility. This shows customers you’re serious about creating impact. - Offer pro bono services
Not all contributions need to be monetary. Donate your expertise to nonprofits or social causes that align with your brand. It’s an excellent way to gain exposure while contributing meaningfully. A matter-of-fact Melissa Kaye, Founder of Elev8 Villages, is looking for human resources to help with emancipated foster youth. Check out her interview. - Designate a social impact product/service.
Set aside a specific product or service where all or part of the proceeds go to a charity. It could be something as simple as donating $1 per sale or service. Easy to implement and meaningful. - Employee volunteer programs
Encourage your team to spend a set number of hours per month or quarter volunteering. This not only helps the community but also strengthens your company’s culture and employee engagement. - Engage your customers in the mission.
Invite your customers to be part of the change. For example, offer a “buy one, give one” model or allow customers to choose a charity when they purchase a product. Now, admittedly, the buy one, give one model may have more financial commitment at the onset, but many successful businesses with a social impact started that way – such as Toms, Warby Parker, or Bombas. - Upskill underserved communities
Is your business in a position to offer internships or mentorships? If so, target underserved communities and offer opportunities that will make a lasting difference in someone’s career. Our latest podcast with Jennifer Buchanan, Founder of JB Music Therapy (not launched yet) and YouMeWe Social Impact Group both offer scholarships in our fields. - Create transparent and ethical supply chains.
Ensure your suppliers follow ethical labor and environmental practices. Communicate this transparency to your clients—it’s a value-add that will attract conscious consumers. Erin Houston, CEO and co-founder of Wearwell, and Jacey Schnarr, Founder of Butterfly Ethical Gifting, both featured on the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast, are excellent examples of ethical supply chains. - Share your impact story
Don’t shy away from telling your customers, team, and partners about the impact you’re making. It’s not about patting yourself on the back; it’s about inspiring others to join your mission. When you truly believe in your cause, you’ll want to shout it from the rooftops or YouMeWe Amplified Podcast. 😉
Making Your Contribution Count
Now that you’re armed with 10 strategies, how will you make your contribution count? 🌊
Let’s get practical. Here’s one small step you can take right now: Pledge a percentage of your business’s future exit proceeds to a cause you care about. It’s quick, it’s legally binding, and it costs you nothing today. As the Upside Foundation says, “We make it seamless for founders to commit.”
Ready to elevate your business to the next level and lead with purpose?
Subscribe to YouMeWe Infusions, where you will receive a surge of strategies & inspiration to propel you to:
- Elevate your conscious leadership.
- Amplify your authentic voice.
- Accelerate sustainable social impact.
AND receive a funding toolkit https://youmeweamplified.com/signup – where to apply for grants for women entrepreneurs and social initiatives.
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