Social enterprise is done just because it’s right but taking time to recognise an organisation’s community-mindedness creates lots of warm fuzzies and motivation for the recipients.
In July, East Tamaki company, Business Buddy celebrated with numerous global contributors and was announced runner-up in the international B1G1 Connection Award.
Business Buddy CEO, Kirsten Hawke picked up the prestigious award at the Buy One, Give One, (B1G1), Business for Good conference in Singapore.
“Although I knew we were nominated, it was still a huge surprise and honour to be placed so highly,” says Hawke.
“We were one of ten nominees and many of the businesses were much larger than ours.
“The overall winner was world-renowned futurist and social entrepreneur, Roger Hamilton, so we were in great company.”
The B1G1 Connection Award recognises companies who go over and above to incorporate giving activities into everyday business operations.
In 2017, a key event that added to Business Buddy’s B1G1 achievements was bringing Paul Dunn to Howick to motivate East Auckland businesses to develop their own social enterprise models.
B1G1 is a non-profit organisation that encourages businesses to make regular small donations that collectively have major impacts around the world.
As a member of B1G1, Business Buddy links client savings and results to multiple programmes, including supplying clean water in developing countries and 100 days of learning materials to vulnerable children.
“The highlight of the conference for me was not only winning the award but meeting amazing entrepreneurs from all around the world, all doing business for good.”
While at the conference, Hawke learned about a new global giving initiative called Get and Give a Million.
The free programme helps businesses be more successful and in turn, they assist developing communities worldwide.
Business Buddy is the first company to adopt Get and Give a Million in New Zealand.
“Our aspiration is to make one million dollars additional profit for our clients, through business growth and improvements. This is the get a million part,” says Hawke.
“And, we’re helping our clients bring purpose and meaning to their businesses though giving.
“By using small to medium enterprises (SMEs) as a real force for good, you can create more of a legacy for your business by supporting the UN’s Global Goals. This is the give a million part.
“The aim is to create a million micro-impacts, such as supplying 235 nourishing meals to children in need in New Zealand, as well as other international projects.”
Through the simple act of giving, Business Buddy is making life better for their clients, their businesses and vulnerable people all over the world.
