Small Business United 365

Small Business United 365 (SBU365) is a group of local, small business owners who are committed to investing in ongoing, impactful, and meaningful work through United Way. It is an initiative to make volunteering and philanthropy easier and more rewarding for small businesses throughout Johnson & Washington Counties.

"United Way is the one organization that activates our team members to generate positive impact in our communities. United Way allows us to tap into our time, talent, and treasure in a very efficient and gratifying way!"

Randy Clarahan, Market Executive, Mortenson

Generosity is the New Marketing!

It has been shown that sharing your partnership with United Way on social media channels, and identifying yourself as a charitable company, will earn you a reputation as being a "good" company. We also know highlighting your commitment to our community is directly correlated to people being more likely to be one of your customers. 

"OPN has supported United Way for 40 years because it is a consistent way to connect our studio to our communities, foster a culture of gratitude and live our mission to elevate the human spirit."

Justin Bishop AIA | LEED AP Principal OPN Architects

Did you know 87% of consumers are willing to buy a product or service from a company because that company supports a cause that is important to them?

Membership Benefits

Not only does our community benefit from your investment, your business benefits too: 

• Appreciation and highlight of all SBU365 Members in local publication.

• Business Spotlight on United Way social media channels to share your brand story.

• Connection to like minded business leaders.

• Provision of employee volunteer opportunities.

• Philanthropic counsel and support. SBU365 window decal.

• Use of SBU365 logo on business marketing.

• Featured interview on a local radio spot.

• Listing as a member on United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties' website linked to the business homepage.

• Listing as a donor in United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties' Annual Report.

• Invitations to United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties' program and events.

• Visual boost as a philanthropic leader in Johnson & Washington Counties.

Our Small Business United 365 Event Recording

We see you small businesses, and we want you to know your contributions to our communities matter. 

Many people know the United Way helps the community, but oftentimes they don't realize all the ways we can help your business from employee culture growth and community involvement to customer relations and beyond. Get ready for a great conversation.

Hear from our panelists:

Melinda Pradarelli
Meld Founder and CEO

Melinda leads a full-service marketing, branding, and digital agency in Iowa City that has been named one of the Fastest Growing Companies in the Corridor. She was recently named one of the Top 250 Most Influential Executives.

Tim Schroeder
Neumann Monson Architects President

Tim has led the transformation of Neumann Monson into a state and regional design leader while nurturing a progressive, purposeful, and human-centered practice that is advancing design, community impact, and stewardship of both employees and clients.

Ryan Bell
Owner Locals Love Us-Iowa City

My professional career started with sales and consulting at a few larger companies. In 2010, the idea of expanding a word-of-mouth marketing platform presented as an opportunity.  

Jason Glass
Lecturer University of Iowa Tippie School of Business

Jason's teaching career at the UI Tippie School of Business follows a 20-year career in human resource roles for several eastern Iowa companies, the last seven at the executive level.

Small Business United 365 Members