03.19.25
Building Stronger Communities Through Inclusive Business Partnerships
By Jane Vangsness Frisch, Vice President of Workforce, The Chamber
Attendees connect at the March 12 Inclusion Insights event.
Inclusive business partnerships are essential for fostering long-term economic growth, social impact and sustainability. At The Chamber's recent Inclusion Insights: How to Operationalize Inclusion Solutions, Whitney Harvey, Senior Director of Workforce Solutions at the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, shared valuable insights on how great leadership fosters an environment where every team member feels valued, heard and empowered to contribute.
When businesses actively engage with their local communities, they create a powerful environment for positive change. Here are some ways your organizations can cultivate meaningful partnerships that drive success for all.
Align Business Goals with Community Needs
Successful partnerships start with alignment. Businesses should identify key community needs and explore how their resources, expertise and networks can contribute. Consider:Â
- Investing in workforce development programs to support local talent.Â
- Partnering with nonprofits focused on education, health care or economic mobility.Â
- Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses through mentorship and funding opportunities.Â
Build Authentic Relationships
Community engagement is rooted in trust, collaboration and mutual support. It’s about creating lasting relationships that drive meaningful change. Businesses can:Â
- Actively participate in local events and initiatives to deepen connections with diverse community members.
- Establish employee advisory councils that amplify diverse community voices and guide decision-making.Â
- Partner with grassroots organizations to ensure efforts are led by the community and sustainable for the long term.Â
Encourage Employee Involvement
Empowering employees to give back strengthens both workplace culture and community impact. Companies can:Â
- Offer volunteer time off (VTO) to encourage participation.Â
- Develop corporate matching programs for employee donations.Â
- Organize team-based service projects that align with company values.Â
Measure Impact and Adapt
To ensure inclusive business partnerships are successful and continue to deliver value, it’s essential for businesses to regularly assess their efforts and make necessary adjustments. This involves tracking key metrics, such as funds raised, volunteer hours contributed and community improvements made. Additionally, businesses should:Â
- Gather feedback from community partners to refine initiatives and ensure they align with evolving needs.Â
- Share impact stories to inspire others, demonstrate the positive outcomes of collaboration and encourage continued engagement.Â
Make Community Investment a Core Business Strategy
Long-term community engagement is most effective when embedded in an organization’s culture. Companies that make social impact a strategic priority not only strengthen their communities but also enhance their reputation, attract talent and drive business success.Â
Inclusive business partnerships are a powerful force for change. By aligning goals, building authentic relationships, engaging employees, measuring impact and making community investment a core value, organizations can contribute to a more prosperous and resilient future for all.Â
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
On April 8, join us for The Pulse of DEI: Navigating Change and Driving Impact in Business to hear from industry leaders with firsthand experience guiding organizations through the complexities of evolving inclusion strategies. Discover how inclusive leadership can drive stronger partnerships, foster community collaboration and create long-lasting impact.Â
This isn’t just about responding to change—it’s about leading through it. Register now and gain valuable insights into how your organization can adapt, innovate and thrive in the evolving world of inclusion and workforce development.Â