Economic development campaigns often spotlight large employers and high-net-worth contributors. Their six or seven-figure pledges drive attention, but they represent only a fraction of the business landscape.
Small businesses, which make up 99.9 percent of U.S. businesses and employ the majority of workers, are often overlooked in campaign planning. Ignoring them leaves resources untapped and weakens long-term results.
Volume and Consistency Outperform One-Time Gifts
A single large commitment provides a visible headline, but volume matters more to the health of a campaign. Dozens, hundreds, or in some cases thousands of smaller pledges create recurring revenue streams that help sustain goals beyond the campaign period.
This consistency helps to stabilize a program, reducing dependence on one or two investors. Campaigns that diversify their base across businesses of every size see stronger retention, broader support, and more reliable funding.
Build Buy-In Across the Business Community
Typically, small business owners are the largest group of stakeholders in a community. They employ your neighbors, buy local goods, and help to shape the character of a region. When they are invited to participate, they become some of the strongest advocates for the campaign.
When they are excluded, the campaign risks being seen as serving only the most prominent players. Bringing them in builds credibility, broadens visibility, and makes the campaign a community-wide effort rather than an exclusive initiative.
Some Strategies to Engage Small Businesses in Campaigns
- Develop investment levels that are scaled to the capacity of small businesses.
- Recognize participation publicly to reinforce the value of every contribution.
- Provide consistent communication so small business leaders see the impact of their investment.
- Incorporate their perspectives during planning, not just solicitation, to build ownership.
The Result of Engaging Small Businesses is Broader Impact
Economic development organizations that include more small businesses build stronger campaigns. They diversify funding, stabilize long-term commitments, and increase community ownership. Campaign results improve when every part of the business community is involved, not just the largest employers.
Convergent Nonprofit Solutions Helps With Bringing Small Businesses on Board
Work with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions to design campaigns that engage every business in your community. Contact us today to strengthen your base and increase your results.
