A Few Reasons Why Start Ups Should Sponsor Charity Events

I walk into the event, give my name, take my complimentary pen, and am given a glass of sweet sparkling red wine. I pop an hors d’oeuvre in my mouth from one of the passing trays and start to circle the room. It feels a lot like a party, but it’s also an integral and serious part of being a leader at a new company.

At BigFish we are passionate about giving back, and try to give as much as we can. Events like this are important for a few reasons, the number one reason being, of course, that we want to support to great causes that we believe in. But it’s also great to help get our name out there and build our brand as a company that cares.

As I walk around the room I speak to high powered banking executives, retirees who are passionate about charity work, MBA students, and, most impressively, kids who are supported by the program. Everyone is engaging, friendly, and excited to learn about BigFish’s future. It’s a beautiful event full of great connections to be made and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to attend. I know it’s important for a lot of reasons, but here are the top two:

Sharing is Caring
We believe it’s our responsibility to support the less fortunate and to build a better future for the next generation. It’s kind of our whole ethos for the company. We are living happy and healthy lives, and we think it’s important to look at those who aren’t and to do our small part to make a difference. We want to make life better for people. The charity this event sponsored helps kids have a brighter future. It’s hard to say no to supporting such a great cause.

The Networking
This is where giving becomes a symbiotic relationship. They say business is done on the golf course, deals are made with handshakes, and it’s all about who you know. A yacht club event complete with a wine tasting is an invaluable platform for meeting the right people and getting the word out about your company in a hybrid social and professional setting.

Events like this may seem trivial, but they are important to the success of any company.

Marjorie Atwater, BigFish Capital COO, with Ashley Fairon, CoChair of Pouring From the Heart to benefit America On Track.