How Small Businesses Are Embracing Corporate Social Responsibility

How Small Businesses Are Embracing Corporate Social Responsibility

FOXBusiness aired a segment titled “Small Business, Big Ideas” featuring Lain Hensley, Co-Founder of Odyssey Teams. In the interview, Lain shared powerful insights into how corporate social responsibility for small businesses isn’t just possible—it’s essential.

While CSR is often associated with large corporations and global brands, Lain emphasized that small businesses have a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, build culture, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

“Corporate social responsibility isn’t about size—it’s about intention,” Lain said. “Small businesses can create big change when they connect their teams to something meaningful.”

Watch the full interview here: FOX Business Interview with Lain Hensley

Why CSR Matters for Small Businesses

In today’s business landscape, employees and customers alike are looking for more than products and services—they’re looking for values. They want to know that the companies they support are contributing to something bigger than profit.

That’s why corporate social responsibility for small businesses is more than a trend—it’s a strategic advantage. It helps companies:

• Attract and retain talent who want to work for purpose-driven organizations
• Build stronger teams through shared values and meaningful experiences
• Enhance brand reputation by demonstrating commitment to community and impact
• Create lasting customer loyalty through authentic storytelling and social engagement

And perhaps most importantly, CSR helps small businesses stay connected to their “why”—the deeper reason behind their work.

Odyssey Teams: A Model for Purpose-Driven Engagement

Odyssey Teams has been pioneering experiential team building programs since 1991, blending leadership development with social impact. Their programs—like Helping Hands®, Life Cycles, and Team Mosaic—are designed to challenge teams, foster collaboration, and deliver real-world results.

Here’s how it works:

• Teams participate in hands-on activities like building prosthetic hands, assembling bikes, or creating art installations.
• The products are then donated to individuals and communities in need—locally or globally.
• Participants reflect on the experience, drawing connections between their work, their values, and their impact.

These programs are scalable, accessible, and deeply moving—making them ideal for small businesses looking to integrate CSR into their culture.

Real Impact, Real Stories

Lain’s interview highlighted how small businesses can use CSR to create authentic, lasting change. He shared stories of companies that had transformed their team dynamics, boosted morale, and deepened their community ties—all through Odyssey Teams’ programs.

One example: A small tech firm participated in a Helping Hands® event, building prosthetic hands for amputees in developing countries. The experience sparked emotional conversations, renewed purpose, and even inspired a new company-wide volunteer initiative.

Another: A local retailer joined a Life Cycles event, assembling bikes for children who had never owned one. The team bonded over the challenge, and the moment they handed the bikes to the kids became a defining memory for everyone involved.

Making CSR Accessible for Small Businesses

One of the biggest misconceptions about corporate social responsibility for small businesses is that it’s expensive or complicated. But Odyssey Teams proves otherwise.

Their programs are designed to be:

• Flexible – Available in LIVE, virtual, and DIY formats
• Scalable – Suitable for teams of 5 to 500+
• Turnkey – Easy to implement with clear instructions and support
• Impactful – Every activity results in a tangible gift to someone in need

Whether you’re a startup, a family-owned business, or a growing enterprise, you can integrate CSR into your team building strategy—and see immediate results.

Why It Works

CSR works because it taps into something universal: the desire to contribute.

When employees feel that their work matters—not just to the company, but to the world—they become more engaged, more loyal, and more innovative.

And when small businesses lead with purpose, they build cultures that attract great people, inspire great work, and create great outcomes.

Final Thoughts: Big Ideas from Small Businesses

Lain Hensley’s message on FOXBusiness still resonates today:
Corporate social responsibility for small businesses isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership choice.

By integrating purpose into team building, small businesses can:

• Strengthen their teams
• Serve their communities
• Elevate their brand
• And most importantly, reconnect to the heart of their work

If you’re ready to bring Odyssey Teams’ powerful programs to your company, contact us at learn@odysseyteams.com or call (800) 342-1650.

Let’s build something that lasts. Let’s build something that matters.