Small businesses create big impact with United Way

Small business, big impact. That’s the motto of United Way of Central Indiana’s 365 Small Business Circle, a new leadership circle helping to connect small, local businesses to big impact in Putnam County.

About 34 percent of Putnam County residents struggle to make ends meet, according to United Way. This data comes from their ALICE report, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, but Employed, and represents the many hard-working families who are just one emergency away from losing it all.

The United Way’s 365 Small Business Circle is an opportunity for local businesses to make a meaningful difference right here in Putnam County and throughout Central Indiana. The membership is gaining traction with a growing number of local businesses already donating to the important cause. Helping residents access basic needs, bringing families out of poverty, a dollar-for-dollar matching grant and adding value to a business’s brand are just four of the many reasons why businesses are joining.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our community and with that strength comes a lot of opportunity to tackle some of Putnam County’s toughest challenges, together,” Chris Flegal, community relations director at United Way of Central Indiana, said.

“With winter approaching and the continued economic strains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever struggling families need our help. United Way is working to lift families out of poverty and into lives of opportunity by investing in the health, education, basic needs and economic mobility of our neighbors in need. But none of this work is possible without the support of our local business leaders who are making a difference in a big way.”

For small businesses, the 365 Circle provides an opportunity to become actively engaged in work that is meaningful and results-driven — leading the charge toward a better community for our neighbors, customers and employees. Becoming a 365 Small Business Circle member also adds value to the business, as research shows consumers are increasingly interested in supporting brands that are making a difference locally.

“United Way’s mission perfectly aligns with our company’s core values, and through the 365 Small Business Circle we are able to make a much larger impact than we could make on our own,” Vincent Aguirre, owner of Distinct, a local marketing and web company, said. “We see this membership as being vital to the success of our community, employees, customers and brand.”

Small businesses interested in becoming a member can learn more by visiting www.uwci.org/365-small-business-circle. Three membership levels — with easy and affordable donation options — make it accessible for small businesses to join at any level. All donations through this membership are matched dollar-for-dollar — increasing the impact of each participating business.

Special thanks to the following Putnam County businesses who have already become members of the 365 Small Business Circle. At the executive level ($1,200): Distinct, FurnitureAware House, Greencastle Hometown Dental, Bridges Craft Pizza and Wine Bar, Taphouse Burgers, Breadworks and The Wine Merchant. At the leader level ($520): HMSB Insurance and Almost Home. At the member level ($365): Monical’s Pizza and Prime Real Estate.

Flegal adds, “If you see a 365 Small Business Circle logo on a business’s storefront or website, please show your thanks and support for the good work they are doing in our community.”