A Profile in Accelerating Impact
How to Propel Profit Through Community Change
Highlights
- Learn how to use your business to create meaningful change in your community and beyond
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) vs accelerating impact
- Find out how mentorship and creating opportunities can accelerate your business’s impact
- Featuring insights from Nobandla Gobodo, an AWEC Cohort 5 alumna
In today’s rapidly evolving world, businesses are not solely measured by profit margins and shareholder value but by their ability to accelerate impact by driving social, economic, and environmental change. The concept of "accelerating impact" refers to the ability of businesses to create positive change in their communities, leveraging their resources, influence, and innovations. This goes beyond traditional corporate social responsibility, which emphasizes active engagement in initiatives that directly benefit local communities.
|
Aspect |
Accelerated Impact |
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) |
|
Focus |
Embedding social impact into core business operations. |
Supporting social or environmental causes alongside business activities. |
|
Objective |
Driving business growth while creating measurable societal change. |
Contributing to social good and improving company image. |
|
Scope |
The impact is central to the business mission, influencing all areas. |
The impact is limited to specific initiatives that may not be integrated into the business strategy. |
|
Sustainability |
Aimed at long-term change through innovative products/services. |
Focused on short-term or recurring efforts like donations or sponsorships. |
|
Engagement |
Deep collaboration with communities and stakeholders for systemic change. |
Involves communities, but often in a more transactional way (e.g., charity donations) |
What’s the point of community involvement?
Small businesses are the backbone of communities. They unite people, enhance local identity, and drive regional economies. Whether it’s the local salon, farmer’s market, or restaurant, each contributes a unique personality to the community. Small businesses acknowledge that their long-term success is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the communities they serve.
Involvement in community efforts also strengthens company culture by building strong teams. A study on volunteerism found that 92% of employees believe workplace volunteer activities enhance their teamwork skills and 77% report improved relationships. Furthermore, research from Boston College reveals that employees with positive perceptions of their organization's corporate citizenship tend to experience greater self-efficacy, hope, and optimism at work.
Creating Exponential Impact, AWEC-style
AWEC exists to accelerate women entrepreneurs across Africa, equipping them with the tools, networks, and skills to scale their businesses. Believing in the transformative power of accelerating impact, we've developed the Community Champions Initiative (CCI), a "train-the-trainer" program that empowers our alumnae to uplift their communities through their businesses. Selected alumna each commit to training 100-150 women entrepreneurs. This ripple effect of hands-on mentorship and expert-led workshops accelerates the success of women-led businesses across the continent, unlocking the potential of both our alumnae and the next generation of women leaders.
One alumna who exemplifies this spirit of accelerating impact is Nobandla Gobodo, Managing Director of Sange in South Africa. After 11 years in business, Nobandla joined AWEC in 2022. "I needed external support to move forward and overcome stagnation." Her dedication to the program was unwavering, as she attended her first Live Session on video just a day after giving birth, stating, "I was committed to showing up and growing through this experience." She found AWEC’s approach practical: "AWEC didn't just give me generic assignments to complete, it showed me how to implement real change in my business." A pivotal change was discovering the power of storytelling. "My Program Advisor helped me realize that my business needed more than just facts, it needed a story to connect with clients." This insight inspired her to revamp her website, social media, and pitch, making them more engaging and impactful.
After reaping the benefits of AWEC, Nobandla wanted to give back. She promptly applied to CCI to help other women entrepreneurs thrive.
Giving Back: The Ripple Effect on Community and Personal Growth
"AWEC has completely transformed my business, and now I’m eager to help others experience the same growth. Joining the CCI allows me to give back to my local community of women entrepreneurs and pay forward the support I received. Having witnessed the impact of learning and development firsthand, I’m excited to help others grow. Leading workshops has been incredibly rewarding, though not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was getting participants to see the value of free workshops. But once they engaged with the content, they got hooked, and participation increased."
Collaboration with local businesses has been key to the success of these workshops. One of the most notable partnerships was with Nissan. “They sponsored the workshops and provided snacks and drinks. Partnering with a brand like Nissan opened doors for future collaborations.” When asked about the cost of the partnership, Nobandla stresses the importance of value over instant gratification. “We often focus on monetary value, but true success includes happiness, personal growth, and making an impact.”
Accelerating impact returns dividends. Exponentially.
Accelerating impact returns dividends. Exponentially. It attracts team members and clients who share your values. Nobandla noticed that a higher caliber of talent joined her team. "It’s not just about qualifications, it’s about attitude, morals, and authenticity." She has witnessed individuals in her community achieve personal and professional growth, reassuring her that she’s on the right track toward building a sustainable, impactful business.
The impact of the workshops has been profound, with entrepreneurs who initially felt overwhelmed by the idea of growing their businesses or using digital platforms to find the support they needed. “I took time to understand each business and reassured them of growth and job creation” The focus on digital marketing, social selling, and branding is already bearing fruit. Since August, 73 women and two teenagers under 15 have participated. “I loved having the teenagers involved. It's crucial to equip young minds with these skills early so they can build sustainable businesses from a young age.”
Her advice to women in business looking to uplift their communities and make a profit is clear: "To grow your business and build something that lasts, you have to give back. Gratitude plays a big role in that. If you think you don’t have time to uplift your community, then your business can only reach a certain point."
"AWEC has given me so much, I love AWEC, and I'm proud to be part of a movement that is creating real change."
Nobandla Gobodo
Managing Director, Sange - South Africa
How Your Business Can Support Your Local Community and Why It Matters
Here’s a cool reminder to prepare your business to accelerate impact:
A- Activate local partnerships: Collaborate with neighboring businesses to sponsor events and initiatives. It will strengthen your network and enhance your brand reputation.
W- Welcome sustainability: Adopt eco-friendly practices and initiatives to reduce your environmental footprint and attract (often younger!) eco-conscious consumers.
E- Empower your team: Foster community support to boost employee engagement and satisfaction, creating a motivated workforce.
C- Create local jobs: Hire from within your community to stimulate economic growth and increase local spending, contributing to a stable job market.
Are you ready to elevate your business to new heights? The NEW and IMPROVED AWEC Entrepreneur Essentials 2.0 course is now LIVE! Plug in to take your business to the next level!
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