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Why Small Local Businesses Give Back to Their Communities

Industry Insights, Updates

When it comes to supporting the heartbeat of a community, small local businesses consistently lead the way. While large corporations may offer high-profile sponsorships and headline charitable campaigns, it’s the small, locally-owned enterprises that quietly and consistently give back — often in meaningful and personal ways.

ST pats Rowing Crest

The Local Advantage

Research shows that small businesses donate more than twice as much per employee to local non-profits, events, and causes than national chains, though this philantrophy is often under reported. Unlike larger corporations that funnel charitable giving through centralised foundations or marketing departments, local businesses are embedded in the communities they serve. Their staff live locally, their kids attend local schools, and their customers are often friends, neighbours, or whānau.

This direct connection translates to action. Whether it’s sponsoring a junior sports team, contributing to a school fundraiser, or donating services to a local event, small businesses are uniquely positioned to understand and respond to community needs. Their giving isn’t driven by PR metrics - it’s grounded in relationships and reciprocity.

 

St Patrick's College rowing student wearing a a hoodie displaying sponsors, looking out at a team training for rowing in the water

Investing in the Community Is Good Business

Supporting local initiatives also has positive business outcomes, consumers are more likely to support a business that actively contributes to its community. For small businesses, this means that community support isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a smart, sustainable part of staying visible and valued.

It’s also worth noting that small business sponsorship can have outsized impact. A few thousand dollars might not make a dent in a major corporate budget, but for a local school or sports team, it could mean new uniforms, safe equipment, or the chance to travel to national competitions.

Our sponsorships

At OCULAR, we believe in backing the people and organisations that make our communities vibrant. That’s why we actively support a number of local teams and initiatives that reflect our values around teamwork, creativity, and youth development.

  • Pulse Netball – We’re proud to support Pulse since (2016) and have provided website, video and brand support amoung other parts of our sponsorship. www.pulse.org.nz
  • Hurricanes Rugby – OCULAR backs the Canes, a team with deep roots in our region, and a spirit that matches our own commitment to boldness, strategy, and resilience. www.hurricanes.co.nz
  • Mills Albert Saints Basketball – Supporting local basketball means more than just points on the board (though Saints get a lot of those too), it means supporting a team that has launched the careers of some of our top basketball players. www.saints.co.nz
  • St Patrick’s College Rowing (Wellington) – We’re thrilled to sponsor a programme that instils hard work, teamwork, and excellence in young athletes both on and off the water.

These partnerships aren’t just logos on gear — they’re relationships built on shared values. By giving back to teams that inspire us, we’re investing in a stronger, more connected Wellington.

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