A new wave of small businesses are building back better
The devastating effects that the coronavirus has left on businesses following 2020 is sadly shared by all. With 2021 starting much in the same vein, what does this mean for the small businesses in particular, that we saw so many of collapse?
What effect will this have on our society, our economy, and our planet?
Enter the wave of purpose-led entrepreneurs who are demonstrating that there is a different way of doing business. One that positively impacts people and the planet while still being profitable. Business owners who are collaborating, successfully raising funds, growing, and driving positive change so that we can all build back better.
Leading the charge is an alternative business network, The Good Business Club - a collaborative community of ethical, independent, and purpose-led small businesses.
‘The world is changing and businesses are with it. We have an opportunity to build back better by driving the power businesses have to do good - for people and the planet. These are the businesses that will thrive in this new world’, states Sara Osterholzer - co-founder and Good Business Specialist.
‘Our membership-based community supports small, good business owners and freelancers who want to make a difference, as well as a living. We cut the time and take the bullsh*t out of networking, helping members discover the right growth solutions for their ventures from other like-minded, purpose-driven businesses.’
The Club’s own recent success sees it securing investment from Brighton-based impact investor Declan Reddington. This offers a beacon to other small businesses and gives a clear indication that the businesses generating positive social and environmental impact sit in a new emerging growth sector.
Declan joined the Club in February 2020 after moving to Brighton on a mission to find and grow good businesses in the city, ‘I believe businesses need to be focused on their impact on the world to survive and grow. There is absolutely no reason why an impact-led business should not be as successful as a more traditional business. The environment and society benefits, and the business thrives, it's a win-win.’
With a new world emerging and through the power of business for good, the opportunities, support, and possibilities now available enable this movement to build back better, offering a brighter future, not only for small businesses but for the world.
Where to start with Impact Investment
If you’re a good business considering investment as an opportunity to sustain and grow your business here are some resources to get you started.
• A beginner's guide to raising investment for startups (South East Angels)
• Types of Social Investment and a tool to help you diagnose if it's right for your organisation (Good Finance)
• How to raise SITR investment - Information and guidance on how to raise investment using Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR) including SITR funds, crowdfunding and direct with investors. SITR is an incentive to encourage investment into charities and social enterprises (Get SITR)
• Crowdfunding - What you need to know to get started (Crowdfund 360)
Image: Declan Reddington