Getting your small business involved in the community

Small businesses are the engines that make communities run. Without them, neighbors wouldn't have that sense of community spirit. They provide a place to connect and share ideas. And, small businesses are a very important part of the economic health of your city, as the revenue they earn goes back to local taxes for your schools, parks and other services.

As a small business, you'll want to ensure you're doing your part. Here are some excellent tips for getting started:

Participate in the "shop local" campaign: More and more purchasing power is being driven toward small businesses due to the shop local campaign. Do your part in educating consumers in the reasons why buying local goods makes a difference.

Sponsor a sports team: People love sports. It really doesn't get more community-oriented than a high school football game on a Friday night or a summertime baseball game. By sponsoring these organizations, you let people in the community know you are rooting on the home team. And, ads posted at games will also increase visibility and revenue.

Host a charity event: Giving back is a huge part of getting noticed by local communities. Whether your employees run in a 5K, you host a fundraiser at a local concert venue or you support a food drive at the office, charity events show you care about the folks who keep your business running.

Invest in the little things: You'd be surprised at how much a heartfelt message in business invitations can help you earn a customer's trust. Make sure that you hand​ write as many notes to locals as you can, and try to remain active on your business's social media pages to connect both offline and online.