The Institute For Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL), a nonprofit business consulting organization advocating for economic success through entrepreneurship, recently recognized volunteers & corporate partners whose time, talents and expertise have helped entrepreneurs to survive, recover and grow.
“These individuals and corporations have answered the call to help small businesses and entrepreneurs, many of whom have faced monumental barriers and difficulties,” said IFEL CEO Jill Johnson. “Their willingness to commit time and provide expertise has served as both a lifeline and springboard for small businesses while helping to open doors for those with the potential to grow and prosper.”
IFEL presented awards to the following companies and individuals involved with its Small Businesses Need Us Initiative: Gibbons P.C.; Santander Bank; Robert Johnson, Chief Diversity Officer, Partner, Corporate, Gibbons P.C.; and Sonia Huse, an impact management consultant.
IFEL created the Small Businesses Need Us initiative in 2020 to help businesses navigate the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization engages business professionals in skills-based volunteerism to provide high-touch, hands-on support to business owners.
Volunteers work one-on-one with business owners during two-hour, virtual sessions to address the owner’s specific needs ranging from marketing to financial projections. This personalized interaction makes a significant impact on an entrepreneur’s ability to overcome some of their biggest business hurdles.
Approximately 63 million Americans — 25% of the adult population — volunteer for mission-driven causes, according to Nonprofits Source. With the devastation of COVID-19 and continued fallout through the prolonged pandemic, volunteers are needed more than ever. The pandemic devastated small businesses, and many are still experiencing unprecedented financial difficulties and logistical challenges.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to sign up as a volunteer, visit smallbusinessesneedus.org.
