Small businesses are essential to the economy on a national scale. They’re even more important to the local communities they reside in. Small businesses provide jobs, allow owners to build wealth, and so much more. If you own a small business, remember that you don’t exist to thrive on your own. It’s important to find ways to be beneficial to your community beyond the profits you make. Consider some of the ways your business can get more involved in your local community with the following four ideas.

Search for Different Needs

There are so many needs within any given community. Homelessness and poverty are some of the most immediate needs, particularly in more urban locations. While your company can actively make donations and work with organizations to address those immediate needs, it’s also wise to find a special cause to really commit a large portion of your attention to. Check to see what the needs are within a local elementary school and how you may be able to help those children and families who are in difficult financial and socioeconomic situations.. Become proactive about creating a program that speaks to one immediate need.

Donate a Portion of Your Proceeds

If you find a local school that needs computers, work on creating a line item in the monthly budget that regularly donates a new computer, new equipment and other resources. Even if the proceeds are small in the beginning, allow them to compound over time. You can also opt to look for other small non-profits in the area. These types of organizations often have corporate donation opportunities that you can regularly contribute to, varying from funding for education, scholarships, animal rescues, and more.

Host an Event

Consider hosting a gala, a raffle, or even a local car wash at your business park for the proceeds to go to a good local cause. Let people know what their donations will specifically be going to. As you publicize the event, make sure it’s one that your target audience will actually want to attend and a cause they’ll be interested in supporting. With the right advertising and a good amount of volunteers, your company can raise funds, garner visibility in the community, and rally people together.

Host an Internship

Find a high school student who is in need of volunteer or professional hours for graduation. You can also look for a college student who’s looking for an internship during the summer months. You can show them the ropes, give hands-on experience, and develop a relationship with a potential future employee within the community. Keep in mind that if you have the budget, a paid internship is always preferable over an unpaid one.

There are so many important factors to consider when you’re building a successful business. If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of cultivating a consistent, authentic relationship with your community, break it down into small steps you can take on a consistent basis. If you remain consistent in the small, daily efforts, you’ll accomplish a lot more within a year than you’d ever imagine.