Small businesses contribute to their communities in many ways, and to examine their impact, the NFIB Research Center conducted a nationwide survey with over 600 responses from small business owners.

Small businesses are not just the foundation of their local economies, they are integral to the fabric of their communities. The survey focused on three main areas where small businesses contribute: donating time, financial support, and in-kind contributions.

Key findings in the report include:

• Financial support was the most common method small businesses use to support their community. Ninety percent of small business owners have financially supported community or civil groups, charities, youth sports programs, schools, religious organizations, or similar activities in the last 12 months.
• About 76% of the business owners reported volunteering their time to work on behalf of community or civic groups, charities, youth sports programs, schools, religious organizations, or similar activities in the last 12 months.
• Sixty-three percent of small business owners reported providing in-kind contributions for community and civic groups or functions, charities, schools, etc.
  Almost all (95 percent) of small business owners reported that involvement in community activities increases their personal level of satisfaction and fulfillment, with 43 percent saying it is very important.

Read the full report and view key visuals that highlight the most common activities small businesses engage in within their communities.