It’s a new year and a new start. A chance to change things with a new approach. An opportunity to do things a little differently in 2026. I’ve been pondering the growth of business with purpose or purpose-driven business. As an entrepreneur, you’re probably thinking you are driven (as entrepreneurs are) and you have a purpose (to see that your business succeeds). But there is a growing movement afoot to look at business differently. To consider that a business’s purpose isn’t just to make money, but to do good as well.

A purpose-driven business is a company built around a clear, meaningful reason for existing beyond making money. Its purpose might be strengthening local communities, protecting the environment, advancing social justice, or improving people’s everyday lives. Profit still matters, but it becomes the fuel to advance that mission, not the only measure of success. I know, you’re busy running your business and don’t have time or maybe inclination to think beyond that. But I’m asking you to at least consider the concept if you don’t already conduct business with purpose.

This isn’t a new idea but the concept and practice have grown in the past couple of years. As small, local businesses most of us already do things to benefit our community. It might be contributing to local nonprofits, supporting the neighborhood or providing a great and supportive place to work. All those things make you a nice person but not necessarily a business with purpose.

Business with purpose goes beyond that and fundamentally changes the purpose of your business…in good ways. Do you believe that your business could have a larger purpose or role in the world than to make money? Are you willing to focus your mission on a community purpose? If we look at the three P’s of a purpose driven business—People, Planet, Profit—where would you align your business?

More than happenstance of being a good person, these choices are intentional and rooted in the belief that business can be used for social, environmental and sustainable good as well as profit. It’s not an either/or. You’ve built (or are building) a thriving business that is an important part of your community. It’s what local business is all about. It’s the foundation of our H2H (human to human) philosophy at LBI. Business exists for us, not the other way around. But do you feel a responsibility to care beyond your customers and employees?

I’m fascinated that this movement started many years ago as a fringe philosophy but is moving mainstream as an intentional direction. I’ll explore this more in future blogs including how customers purchase with purpose. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Feel free to email me at rebecca@localbusinessinstitute.org.