Small businesses across the US have taken the young custom of “Giving Tuesday” to heart, as thousands of everyday businesses celebrate the day of global generosity by giving back to their communities and local charities. 

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving was originally launched as Giving Tuesday in 2012 by New York City’s 92nd Street Y in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. It has since spun out into its own organization led by co-founder Asha Curran as its CEO. Last year, nonprofits in the US raised more than $500 million online for Giving Tuesday, and small businesses were a huge part of that. 

From providing free services to giving money to good causes, local business owners share how they give back to their community on Giving Tuesday and all year round. 

Making the Holidays ‘Bear’able

At MyBearJeff.com – a Kansas City-based online company that sells stuffed teddy bears (and donates a bear for each teddy bear sold) – the mission on Giving Tuesday is to double the number of teddy bears being donated to children who are trauma patients at local hospitals. The company works with its partner, Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, to make sure bears get delivered to comfort young patients in the hospital. 

“The need is so great for children to have something special to hold on to during a difficult time in their lives, and the demand continues to grow. Our goal is to put a teddy bear into the hands of as many kids as possible,” said founder Rachel Cohen, who was inspired to start the company after  experiencing the trauma of life-altering surgery when she was just four years old. 

“The hospital’s Child Life team even uses teddy bears for casting demonstrations with a cast placed on the bear to ‘look’ like the patient.”

A Green Thumb’s Up

Bryan Clayton, CEO of yard work booking service, Greenpal, in Nashville, TN, said that his company’s mission on Giving Tuesday is to mow  lawns for people who can’t afford it – free of charge – an act of charity that the company does once a month. 

“We have a few hundred lawn care professionals that utilize our system and we ask them to submit to us candidates that are in need of a lawn mowing for free because they are in a tough personal situation,” said Clayton. “So once a month we will go and mow a strangers home who’s grass has gotten 2 to 3 feet tall because they are in a jam.

“One person once was facing foreclosure, and another was getting ready to be cited by the city [for their lawn being unkempt]. We also try to help out single moms more than anybody. Overall the initiative had been worth doing, but it is not without its challenges. On more than one occasion, some of the folks that we donated lawn mowing to ended up calling in and complaining because our vendor did not do a good enough job on the free lawn cut. I think a lesson learned for any small business looking to give back a little is to manage their own expectations and at the end of the day just do it for themselves and do not expect any gratitude.”

For Mother Nature 

For Plaine Products – a company that sells sustainable and plastic-free beauty products – the mission is all about saving the environment. 

“For the third year in a row, we’ve changed Black Friday shopping to Give Back Friday and in addition to offering a discount to our customers, we donate a portion of sales in the days following Thanksgiving to nonprofit organizations that are aligned with our environmentally-focused mission,” said Lindsey McCoy, CEO. 

McCoy added that the company donates a portion of sales to underfunded recycling organizations such as Glass Half Full, as well as nonprofit wetlands and wildlife care centers. 

“Our giving, however, isn’t just focused on this time of year,” said McCoy. “We are a Certified B Corp and a member of 1% For The Planet. Our company donates at least one percent of annual sales to environmental non-profits, including 5 Gyres, Beyond Plastics, Lonely Whale, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and Upstream Solutions.”

How to get to Sesame Street 

For Tamica Oglesby, head of Potty Schmotty, a company that helps potty train toddlers, Giving Tuesday is all about helping kids. 

“On Giving Tuesday, we are encouraging our supporters to donate to our Sesame Street Fun Run (or walk) Team. Our goal is to run/walk as a team and to raise $250 in our first year. Or we encourage people to donate to their local (or the national) diaper bank for Giving Tuesday. In addition, we encourage people to purchase from our company in February. A portion of each purchase will be donated to the diaper bank. Families struggle to afford diapers and this is a way to help them.”

Lawyering Up

For Texas-based law firm Herrman and Herrman PLLC, Giving Tuesday lasts the entire holiday season.

“This year for the holiday season, we will be giving away a gift card each day in December to members of our community,” said Gregory Herrman, managing partner. “We also recently hosted a vaccine event offering $50 gift cards to anyone who received their first vaccine shot. Another way we give back to our community is by sponsoring community non-profits like K Space Contemporary. K Space Contemporary is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to contemporary art from regional artists in Corpus Christi, Texas.”

Love Notes for Planet Earth

Jean Gregoire, Founder and CEO of Lovebox, a company that specializes in allowing people to send notes to their loved ones throughout the day, said the company also gives to 1% for the Planet during the holiday season. 

“We’ll be giving directly to nonprofits in the 1% for the Planet network that make sense with our values and our vision of the world,” said Gregoire. “We chose this organization because they represent a global network of businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations that are addressing the world’s most concerning environmental problems. At Lovebox, we’re dedicated to making sure the planet we love stays intact. “

Empowering Women 

PaliRoots, a fashion and accessories brand, donates a meal to children in the Gaza Strip in collaboration with Middle East Children’s Alliance, said a company spokeswoman. The company is aiming for an additional 5,000 meals to be donated by the end of Giving Tuesday,  Year-round, the company gives 5% of net proceeds to Girls on the Run, a nonprofit for girls’ empowerment foundation.  

Tis the Season for Giving

Small businesses across the country are giving back to their communities to show gratitude this holiday season, and whether it’s in the form of a donation or free services or products, there is always a place for charity.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and here at Kapitus, one of the things we’re most grateful for are small businesses – and not just the ones we serve as a lending company, but the ones in our hometowns that touch our personal lives in positive ways by providing above-and-beyond service and products, and by giving our neighborhoods a personal touch.

So, in the spirit of giving thanks this holiday season, various Kapitus employees are here to express thanks to the small businesses and their employees who work hard to make our lives better.

Carolina Baez, Paralegal

“Being a local it is interesting to witness Conti’s Pastry Shop become the Herald Square of Morris Park [in the Bronx, NY] – every holiday, from Easter to Christmas, turns this establishment into BestBuy on Black Friday. The hustle and bustle during these times are comically annoying (as a local establishment should feel), but it also elevates a certain neighborhood pride for fostering something that has added so much character to the community.

“However, I love Conti’s for the nostalgic scent of baked goodies and coffee every morning…. Stopping in for my coffee and almond croissant, I enjoy the belly-warming energy from the Conti’s crew – the ‘good mornings’ and ‘see you tomorrow’ – followed by what I call my happy time, that first sip. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, Conti’s brew’s a mean cup of joe, and I am ever grateful to them for that. The décor and vibe of the place make it hard to exit, plus the pastries are soooooo good it hurts to leave. But I go, and go happy because, as a local, I get to be back tomorrow.”

Brandon Wyson, Digital Content Writer

“I have the distinct honor of living in a clean and smart corner of Brooklyn, New York. I live and will

hopefully die by my borough’s small businesses; let me tell you my favorites: Books are Magic on Smith and Butler Street in Cobble Hill is an independent bookstore owned by author Emma Straub and her husband, Michael Fusco-Straub. Books are Magic is my immaculate sanctuary of curated literary bliss. 

“Perhaps people shouldn’t go to Books are Magic because they will soon find all other bookstores woefully insufficient. Straub’s wonderland is laden with classics and modern literature, as well as several books signed by their authors. With a delightfully attentive staff and a willingness to order single books from across the country, Books are Magic lives up to its name; such perfection ought not be possible without sorcery.

“Next, imagine Willy Wonka chose to bind his whimsey upon health food. In such a world, which is seemingly our own, you would find Perelandra Natural Food Center on Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights. Perelandra is an ode to mindfulness and is unabashedly intentional. Independent grocers have it hard even in New York City, but Perelandra is a steadfast community paragon that will not falter. Every shelf and fridge are stocked with local, ethical, and delicious food you can take home with pride. As a diehard vegan myself, Perelandra offers an unbeatable selection of fresh and flavorful goodies sans animal. Perelandra dares consumers to break the chain of mindless purchase and consider where your food comes from; and if it comes from Perelandra, you can guarantee it’s good.”

Danielle Hodges, Executive Administrator

“I am very thankful for Ms. Sanchez Little House Daycare (in Roselle, NJ). As a working mom, finding

childcare was very important to me. Ms. Sanchez take care of my son as if he was her own. I am thankful that she provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks. When he is there, he is learning and having fun! I am thankful for all that she does for him and continues to do. Thank you, Ms. Sanchez and your team!”

 

Stephanie Olivo, Human Resources Generalist

“I am thankful for my neighborhood bakery, Buzzancas’s Bakery & Café [In Jackson Heights, NY]. It is a family-owned Colombian bakery and even though I am Dominican, Columbian bakeries bring me back to my childhood with my dad because we always picked up Columbian bread on the weekends. 

“There is something unique about their breads and the smell that just makes you feel warm and cozy. I am grateful to have them close to me and appreciate their hospitality. It always feels like you’re visiting a relative when you go see them.”

Vince Calio, Digital Content Writer

“I live in a township called Edison, NJ, and I can tell you that Edison simply wouldn’t be Edison if it weren’t for an independent family eatery, Edison Family Restaurant. The restaurant has been family owned since 1978. It’s unfussy interior and cozy interior make it a great place to enjoy some of the most delicious homemade foods in the neighborhood, starting with its wide variety of soups made from scratch every day, and its bountiful yet casual breakfast and lunch menu that offers everything from the best spinach and chicken pot pies in the state to burgers and gyros. 

“The staff is very friendly and knows most of the customers by name, and they’ve been there for a long time. I have enjoyed early morning breakfasts on weekdays, since I work remotely, as well as casual Sunday brunches with family and friends. It truly is a staple in the neighborhood that many residents have come to love and rely on.

“My other favorite small business is the Chateau at Spring Lake, a boutique hotel my family visits every summer in the picturesque Jersey shore town of Spring Lake, NJ. This quiet, cozy little hotel has spacious rooms, provides free tea and cookies int he afternoon and is kid-friendly. It provides beach towels for every guest during the day, and its owner always remembers us by name when we visit every August, and is always quick with restaurant and store recommendations, making this the perfect place for a quiet summer getaway.” 

Bernadette Abel, Director of Brand Marketing

“There are two places that I consider home – North Wildwood, NJ (a beach community in Southern NJ…locals don’t call it “the shore”), where I grew up and The Upper West Side of New York City, where I chose to spend over a decade of my adult life.  In each of these communities there are MANY small businesses that I hold near and dear but there are two, in particular that own a piece of my heart and soul.     

“Russo’s Market in North Wildwood not only makes a mean Philly cheesesteak (seriously, better than you can find in Philly itself), amazing subs and other not-so-healthy-but-oh-so-good fare that are must-haves for my family and the area’s visitors every summer. Russo’s is not just a deli and market – it’s a tradition! My siblings and I spent many summers working there throughout our youth.  In fact, I was working at Russo’s the morning of 9/11. There wasn’t a TV at the store then, so I listened to that historic and tragic day unfold over the radio. The owner regularly ran upstairs to where they lived to see if they could get any additional info from the TV news stations and then ran back down to report on what she had learned. It is my “I’ll-always- remember-where-I-was place.”  So much of my growing into adulthood is tied into this little market on the beach.  

“When it comes to the UWS – by far -I want to show my love to The Dead Poet. DP is BY FAR my favorite small business in NYC (and there are a lot to choose from there, so that says a lot).  This little local bar – with its awesome literary decor and literary-themed drinks is an English Major’s Dream. But, to me, this place is much more than that. It was my go-to place to celebrate life’s big moments, wash away disappointments, have venting sessions…and, even, grapple with and mourn the loss of a friend to cancer. It is where I would take visitors to get them out of Times Square and show them a little piece of the Real NYC. It is where, year-after-year, I would make a stop on my birthday for a free beer (if you share a birthday with one of their listed authors, you get free drinks!). I even hosted a friend’s baby shower there!  I don’t live in NYC any longer, but The Dead Poet is definitely a stop I’ll make each time I go back for a visit. I know every time I do, there will be a great cocktail, cold beer and an awesome conversation waiting for me there.

“I would like to just add in a thank you to all small businesses. As you can see from all of these little messages, you impact people in so many ways – big and small.  Keep doing what you do.  Keep fighting the big fight.  And we’ll all keep coming around to support you!”

With that, everyone here at Kapitus wishes a very happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Whether you’ve been in business for years or you’re a veteran who is just starting to consider going down the path of business ownership, you don’t have to go it alone!  There are several public and private resources that were created to help Veterans start, operate and fund their businesses.  Here are just a few: 

Training and Advisement Resources

 

Boots to Business & Boots to Business Reboot

The Boots to Business (B2B) initiative is a training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration exclusively for veterans of the armed services (and their spouses) who are transitioning back to civilian life. B2B Reboot, also an SBA program, offers similar business education courses but extends invitations to all veterans, not just those who are currently transitioning.

Boots to Business courses are a great “step one” for aspiring small business owners, as classes typically focus on key business tactics like creating a compelling business plan and networking. B2B courses are offered in-person across the country and registration is free. Check with the B2B or B2B Reboot websites to see upcoming courses.

Veteran Readiness and Employment Program

Formerly known as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program, the Veteran Readiness and Employment program is a series of seminars offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs focused on preparing veterans for a return to civilian life as well as the beginning to a small business life. The VR&E program also gives advice and support to veterans who may have been injured during their service and could have difficulty starting their own business alone.

Veterans can apply for the VR&E program online or at their local Veterans Affairs office.

SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center Program

If you are interested in starting your own small business or have an existing business and are looking for professional advise, consider making contact with your local Veterans Business Outreach Center. The VBOC is run and operated by the Small Business Administration and functions in every state as well as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. These centers are uniquely diverse and offer services from seminars all the way to direct mentoring.

If you are a veteran in any capacity, it would likely be supremely beneficial to reach out to your local VBOC, as they pride themselves on helping veteran small business owners at any step in their business journey.

The Dog Tag Fellowship Program

The Dog Tag Fellowship Program is owned and operated by Dog Tag Inc, a bakery with a mission of educating transitioning veterans of the United States Armed Forces through real-world business experience. The Fellowship is a five-month program that awards completing fellows with a certificate of business administration from Georgetown University or Loyola University in Chicago depending on which program (East or Central) fellows participate in.

All fellows receive a monthly stipend and a full register of courses meant to build veterans’ business sense and confidence. Fellows also participate in hands-on learning at Dog Tag Bakery in Washington D.C. where they can practice real business tactics.

The Dog Tag Fellowship Program accepts applications for the Chicago and D.C. programs in November and January respectively.

Grants and Funding Resources

 

StreetShares Foundation

The StreetShares Foundation offers small business grants exclusively to veterans of the United States Armed Forces. StreetShares grants reward strong business plans as well as creativity, as each applicant must submit a video explaining how they would use the grant money if they were to win.

StreetShares grants are often awarded in Q4 of each year and the application window usually opens in Q1 of that same year. In the meantime, there are several other grants veteran small business owners may be eligible for.

Hivers and Strivers

Hivers and Strivers is an investment group that solely backs companies operated by U.S. armed service veterans. Hivers and Strivers prides themselves on offering active mentoring as well as direct funding for the veteran projects they believe in. This investment group aims high, traditionally funding projects to the tune of $250,000 to $1,000,000 but all veterans from any branch are welcomed to apply. Veteran small business owners seeking venture capital funding can apply here

Warrior Rising Business Grants

Warrior Rising is a non-profit organization with the mission of empowering veteran business owners. Warrior Rising’s mission statement is to turn any veteran into a “vetrepreneur,” explaining that veteran small business owners can use their military training to make their businesses stronger.

Warrior Rising is owned and operated by veteran small business owners themselves. Through their mentoring and support networks, Warrior Rising aims to harness the “indomitable spirit” of the U.S. armed service member to create a uniquely strong class of business owner, the “ventrepreneur.”

If you would like to join the Warrior Rising support network as a donor, mentor, or member, learn more on the company website. Warrior Rising offers seminars and mentoring services for veterans year-round both virtually and in-person.

Veterans Never Fight Alone

No matter if you are a transitioning veteran or have been back in civilian life for decades, you have a wealth of resources at your disposal to start and operate a successful business. While we’ve run through a few examples, there is one resource that will be your biggest advocate while providing you with invaluable support: your community of fellow veteran business owners; it’s over 2 million strong and always accepting new members.  If you know any other resources for veteran owned small businesses that should be included in this list, please contact us at Kapitus.