The nationwide BNZ Spotlight on SME Community Support survey covered 508 companies nationally and looked closely at the many ways New Zealand SMEs were active in their community.
''SME operators and managers are closely connected to their communities and play a major role in supporting charities and other groups in their local area.''
Mr Symons told the Otago Daily Times the high level of commitment to the community by the small and medium business community came as no surprise. However, some of the community work went unrecognised.
Considering the significant contribution SMEs made to the economy as employers and innovators, it was heartening to see they were still helping others, even in a tough business climate.
Three-quarters of survey respondents agreed all businesses, regardless of size, had a role to play in supporting local communities.
Nearly 75% of Dunedin and Invercargill businesses supported local community groups or charities, the highest in the survey, he said.
A further 6% had previously and another 11% would consider doing so in the future. A small minority ruled out any form of support now or in the future.
Educational causes, such as schools and play groups, and sports teams or clubs were the most common forms of ventures supported. They were followed by cultural events, children's groups and activities such as scouts and brownies and religious-based organisations.
Health charities, fire brigades and ambulance services, the Coast Guard, Rotary clubs, Riding for the Disabled, and a local community association were among the organisations listed in the ''other'' category.
Financial support was the most common type provided by Dunedin and Invercargill companies and the region also had the highest rate of donated goods and services to children's causes, Mr Symons said.
''There are many ways that businesses can help community groups. The support doesn't have to be monetary. It could be expertise or some other form of assistance. If monetary support is out of the question, consider other ways to get involved.''
Business owners believed community giving was the right thing to do. Many recognised the need in their communities and the difference support could make, he said.
''They're telling us that it feels good to give back to the causes they believe in.''
Asked if the strong spirit of community was because of the number of SMEs in the region, Mr Symons said although the Auckland CBD was full of ''big brands'', he did not have to go too far outside that area to see a range of ''fantastic small businesses''creating employment.
Mr Symons urged people to support SMEs in their community to help them increase profit and continue supporting employment and community groups within those communities.
He also urged SMEs to do more in publicising their support. Sharing their passion and support for their chosen charity or community group in the right way could not only benefit the business but might also lead to more donations for the cause.
Dunedin and Invercargill SMEs
• Strong sense of responsibility to the community.
• More likely to support community groups.
• More likely to provide ongoing support for educational causes.
• More than half of causes receive $1000 or less.
• Strong moral code.
