For the past few years, American Express has pioneered Small Business Saturday, which happens the day after Black Friday. They encourage people to support the small business and even offer incentives to people who have their cards and shop that day (this year they’re offering $10 back when you spend $10 or more, at up to 3 places).
As a small business who’s goal is to support others, we at Show and Talk love Small Business Saturday. Many of our favorite small businesses also give back, so here is a list of our top 5 philanthropic shops.
1. Project 615 - Based in Nashville, TN, Project 615 makes t-shirts and apparel, most of which is Nashville themed. They give away 100% of their profits, most to Set Free ministries in Nashville, who houses and rehabilitates men recovering from homelessness, addiction and mental illness, but they often have other campaigns going on as well, such as their current partnership with Sweet Sleep who provides resources to orphaned and abandoned children in Ethiopia.
Project 615 makes all of their apparel at their local print shop, and hires men from Set Free, providing them both a job and skills they can use once they transition out of the program. Not only do they print their own apparel, but you can also hire them to print your custom apparel as well.
Today only, use the code CYBER615 to receive 25% off your order!
project615.org
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2. Jacmel Bay - Founded by Denise Goodale, who’s daughter moved to Jacmel, Haiti in 2009 to become house parents for Haitian children who didn’t have a family. During one of her many trips to Haiti, she noticed the children would collect sea glass. Denise decided to turn the sea glass into jewelry, and Jacmel Bay was born.
Denise also has a passion for the deaf community, and not only does she make the jewelry for Jacmel Bay, she also has a team of hearing impaired artists from Jacmel who make them as well. 25% of the profits go to support Joy in Hope, the nonprofit her daughter works for. People traveling to Haiti can also sell Jacmel Bay jewelry to help raise money for their trip. Although they started out strictly selling necklaces, they now include earrings, bracelets and Christmas ornaments. You can also contact Denise about special orders.
3. Bombas - I first discovered Bombas through their Indiegogo campaign. Like Toms, they are a 1 for 1 company, but their specialty is socks. And they have some of the most comfortable socks I have ever worn. They are great for working out or for just every day wear, in the summer or in the winter. And not only can you have these high quality socks at an affordable price, but thanks to their partnership with Hannah’s Socks, so can people in need. People on the streets who may have to wear the same pair for days. People who spend most of their time on their feet. People who deserve a little comfort.
Since launching, Bombas has also been seen on the TV show Shark Tank. Currently they’re offering 20% off all orders of 4 socks or more.
bombas.com
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4. No One Without - N.O.W. is another apparel company who has partnered with Thirst Relief International to provide Bio-sand filters to places that do not have clean water. Each purchase provides one person with clean water for 25 years. Without clean water, millions of children die before they reach the age of 5. Their apparel is fashionable (I wear several items regularly), and makes a huge difference in people’s lives.
5. The Giving Keys - Founded by actress Caitlin Crosby, The Giving Keys takes old, used keys and engraves inspirational words on them. The idea is that when you receive a key, at some point you’re supposed to give it away to someone who needs that inspiration. I’ve had several keys throughout the years, all of which had a word that helped push me through that particular season of my life, and as someone who is about to give away her third key, I can say that the reward of touching someone’s life is fulfilling enough. But like Project 615, The Giving Keys also employs those who are transitioning out of homelessness, in Los Angeles in this case. You can read the stories of some of their former employees, as well as stories from people who’ve have given or received a key, but fair warning, only do so if you’re equipped for the subsequent tears.
thegivingkeys.com
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What are some of your favorite small businesses? Let us know in the comments!