As National Small Business Week recently came to a close, United Way of Baldwin County marked the occasion by launching a new initiative designed to help local small businesses give back to their communities without the barriers often associated with traditional workplace campaigns.

The organization announced the debut of “Small Business United,” a community-giving program tailored for locally owned businesses that may not have the staff, payroll systems or administrative resources needed to participate in larger corporate-style giving efforts.

For $150 annually, businesses can become official Small Business United partners, helping support programs and services focused on housing, healthcare access, financial security and community resiliency throughout Baldwin County.

United Way officials said 100% of the money raised through the initiative will remain in Baldwin County and directly support UWBC partner agencies serving local residents and families.

“Small businesses are the heart of Baldwin County. They sponsor our Little Leagues, hire our neighbors, and show up when families need help, but they’ve often been left out of traditional workplace giving because the structure simply doesn’t fit a 5- or 10-person team,” said Christopher Lugo, executive director of United Way of Baldwin County. “Small Business United changes that. For $150 a year, a local business owner can join our mission, see exactly where their dollars go, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the largest employers in the region. One hundred percent of every gift stays right here in Baldwin County, working for the families who need it most.”

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up the vast majority of employers nationwide and serve as major drivers of local economies through job creation, philanthropy and community involvement. Baldwin County’s business community includes hundreds of locally owned shops, restaurants, service providers and family-run companies.

United Way leaders said the new initiative was created to acknowledge the impact small businesses already have on the community while providing a streamlined way to support local causes year-round.

Participating businesses will receive recognition on the organization’s website, inclusion in the annual impact report and social media spotlights. Members will also receive a “Proud Supporter” window sticker, a digital badge for websites and email signatures and a listing in the Small Business United member directory.

The program also includes quarterly “Your Gift at Work” updates, access to the annual Community Impact Report and invitations to tours highlighting programs supported through United Way funding.

United Way of Baldwin County partners with nonprofit organizations and agencies focused on improving quality of life through education, financial stability, health services and emergency assistance programs.

Small business owners interested in joining Small Business United can learn more at www.unitedway-bc.org or contact Lugo at clugo@unitedway-bc.org.