Simply Business Mission, Purpose & Impact

Describe how your company gives back to its communities. What impact do these efforts have on both those in need and employees themselves? 

Simply Business hosts an annual employee trek, a hallmark event for our non-profit partnerships in the U.S. and U.K. The event is a key part of our culture, fostering positive energy, leadership, and a sense of purpose in our mission to support and serve small business owners. In 2024, I was selected to join the Global Trek Team, where we completed a five-day, 42-mile mountain trek through the breathtaking Istrian Peninsula in northern Croatia. Through this event, we raised awareness and funds for two charities across our global markets: Sky's the Limit in the U.S., a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting aspiring small business owners from underrepresented backgrounds and minority groups which offers support and mentoring to young, underrepresented entrepreneurs, and The Prince's Trust in the U.K., which advances inclusive entrepreneurship. Both nonprofits ensure that young entrepreneurs, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to build sustainable small businesses.

What I found uniquely rewarding about this giving back trek was how much I received in return. In 2023, I unexpectedly and suddenly lost my mother. She worked in nonprofits for the majority of her career and always told me, 'Whenever you feel down, do something for someone else.' Getting the opportunity to volunteer and serve others helped me through my grief. While hiking on these treks, I had the opportunity to observe the natural world and see that everything within serves another living being. A fruit tree doesn't grow fruit for itself but to feed and sustain all the living beings that come into its presence. I truly believe the secret to life lies in serving others. This is what I've found so remarkable about Simply Business's mission to give back – we come together to serve and make a difference in young entrepreneurs' lives, and in return, we are given so much: friendship, camaraderie, and the challenge to push ourselves beyond perceived limitations. Simply Business's trek is more than just a trek; it's a manifestation of our core value of serving others.

How do these community outreach efforts bolster your company's mission and/or culture? 

Simply Business's community outreach efforts are not just philanthropic endeavors; they are an integral part of our identity and success. Simply Business created a virtuous cycle where giving back strengthens our mission to serve small businesses, and which in turn strengthens and enhances our company culture. Simply Business's mission centers on supporting and serving small business owners. Community outreach, especially initiatives like the global team trek and partnerships with organizations like The Prince's Trust and Sky's the Limit, directly embody this mission. We are not just providing insurance; we are actively investing in the success of entrepreneurs.

What advice would you offer to leaders at other organizations interested in implementing more volunteer opportunities? Which efforts have had the biggest impact at your company? 

To build effective volunteer programs, leaders must align opportunities with company values, provide diverse options and empower employee-led initiatives. Strategic partnerships and a culture of giving are vital, alongside measuring impact and leading by example. Importantly, these initiatives unite the company, fostering camaraderie and shared purpose. At Simply Business, our annual trek exemplifies this cycle of giving, benefiting both our customers and our employees, strengthening our community from the inside out.