Why Small Businesses Need YOU: The Power of Volunteering

Peace Friends,

I had the honor of invited to and attending the Boston Main Streets Foundation event, where they handed out Volunteer of the Year awards to some truly incredible people. Seeing the joy, gratitude, and community spirit in that room reminded me just how much volunteers mean to small businesses—and why, as a business owner, I’m grateful for every helping hand.

Volunteering is often reserved for charity or nonprofit work.

Most small businesses, especially those led by BIPOC owners, sometimes have just one or two people wearing all the hats. From handling the day-to-day to strategizing growth, it’s a full plate, often without the luxury of extra hands. Volunteering can be very powerful and impactful for businesses in this case.

When you volunteer with a small business, you give them a lil’ freedom to think bigger, to engage with their communities, and to build something lasting. Even a few hours of help can be the difference between a business owner being able to show up for a community event, plan that long-overdue marketing campaign, or simply catch their breath 😮💨. Volunteering can be as simple as helping out during busy hours, sharing your expertise, or ringing orders at a vending event. So, if you’re thinking about volunteering, please choose a small business to support and know that you’re potentially giving us a chance to grow and keep our doors open in ways that matter.

So, what business will you volunteer with in 2025?

Read the rest of this week's newsletter here.

Best,

A