Corporate social responsibility has become an intrinsic part of business in recent years. 

Because doing good is good for business.

Being socially conscious and doing good is no longer just optional for businesses either, it’s expected of them. It’s why massive corporates like Sky have partnered up with WWF, IKEA with Barnardos and Fujitsu with Auststica in recent years. They have the funds available to support these charities and they want to show the public that they are using them for good.

But what about bootstrapped or early stage startups? They don’t have extra cash hanging around that they can readily pledge to a charity. So, how can they implement socially conscious initiatives without breaking the bank? 

By thinking locally, creatively and being resourceful.

Step One:

Don’t think of corporate social responsibility on a macro level, think micro. Identify different individuals, groups or organisations in your area who have been negatively impacted as a result of the pandemic. The elderly or vulnerable who may be experiencing intense loneliness as they continue to cocoon, parents who have been trying to entertain kids while working from home, idle teens whose social outlets, like youth clubs, that have had to temporarily shut down etc.. 

Step Two:

Think about how you can make life a little bit easier for these different groups of people. Is there something you can do to help bring a smile or some momentary relief to an elderly couple, an anxious teenager, a bored child or a frazzled parent? 

Let’s flesh out a few ideas. If your startup is tech based, could you create a free webinar series teaching tech related skills, such as coding for kids? If you're a creative or print agency, you might consider creating something like a colouring book with positive messaging. You could team up with an age action charity to create printed material with informative messaging like tips and tricks to help elderly individuals keep active and healthy during this unsettling time. If you’re a copywriting agency, you could consider setting up a one off online writing workshop for kids and teens, offering advice on writing short stories. Now more than ever, this age group is yearning for projects to stimulate them and keep them occupied. Something like this could be a great creative outlet for them.

If you're a startup media, digital or marketing agency why not host webinars and create content to help struggling businesses and volunteer organisations in your local area navigate this troublesome time? Think digital pop up clinics. Perhaps you could provide advice on digital marketing and promotion? You could take on freelancers to help create a mini series of videos and online material to complement your webinars. You’ll be equipping local businesses and volunteer groups with valuable knowledge and tools to help them weather this turbulent period.

Initiatives like these benefit your local community as well as your own business - you get to network and promote your startup while offering real value to businesses and organisations in your locality.

If none of these suggestions resonate with you, have a think about other potential collaborations you could pursue.

Step 3:

Be sure to promote your corporate social responsibility activities across your website, social media channels and in print publications where possible. 

If you’re not very savvy at creating digital content, consider touching base with individuals who’d be more than happy to help you creatively capture your CSR efforts. Think freelance graphic designers, photographers or videographers for example.

Although I mentioned at the beginning that doing good is good for business, it’s also just good to do good. We’re still in the middle of a pandemic and people need help. Therefore, if your startup is in a position to do so, why not find a way to make a difference in your local community? 

If you’d like to collaborate with a freelancer to make the most of your CSR activities, there’s loads to choose from here.