Tag: 3BL

CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 13, 2024 /3BL/ – The majority of Americans agree on at least one thing: They want companies to stay the course on sustainability, according to new consumer research from 3BL.

3BL Network Effect: Charlotte, a free half-day event on Dec. 11, will bring together practitioners and business leaders for a candid discussion about how North Carolina companies view the continued demand for sustainability performance from key stakeholders. The event is free and includes breakfast; registration is required.

“Despite the rancor surrounding the recent election, companies are continuing to transition to clean energy, reduce waste and invest in their communities and talent pipelines,” said Dave Armon, vice chairman of 3BL. “We are excited to hear how Charlotte companies organize the ESG reporting function, and about innovative approaches to mission-critical social impact and disaster response work.”

Two-thirds of U.S. adults, including 75 percent of Democrats and 62 percent of Republicans, say it’s important for companies to continue their sustainability efforts regardless of political changes or election outcomes, according to new polling from 3BL and the research technology company Glow. Only 5 percent of respondents to the survey, conducted at the end of last week, say it’s “not very important” or “not important at all” for companies to stay consistent on sustainability amidst political headwinds.

Network Effect: Charlotte, at Truist Center, will focus on trends in environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting and the business drivers behind corporate efforts to promote diversity in the workplace, STEM education in K-12 classrooms, and community relief programs following natural disasters.

The half-day program, the eighth such regional event from 3BL, is open to those working in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, social impact, communications, marketing, ESG and investor relations roles at companies, agencies and nonprofits. Breakfast will be provided.

Register here

Among the organizations participating in 3BL Network Effect: Charlotte are Albemarle, Compass Group, Duke Energy, Ideas on Purpose, Mower, NASCAR, Trane Technologies, Trips for Kids Charlotte and Truist.

In addition to panel discussions, fireside chats and research revealing consumer sentiments about sustainability, the event is designed so practitioners from Carolina companies, nonprofits and NGOs can explore opportunities to partner for more impact.

About 3BL 
Since 2009, 3BL has built a specialized community of journalists, analysts, ratings/ranking agencies, practitioners, investors and consumers in the impact space. 3BL’s distribution network, software platforms and client success team offer access to these exclusive partners, guaranteed distribution and data-driven insights for solutions-oriented businesses. Learn more at 3bl.com

Ever noticed the power of a genuine “thanks”?

Gratitude is all about recognizing that something good has come into your life thanks to someone else. It’s that feeling of positive acknowledgment that often arrives through kindness or support we didn’t necessarily earn. And in today’s hyper-connected world, where tech is always at our fingertips, here’s a twist: Could our devices help us unlock more genuine gratitude?

In a recent chat with Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Science Director at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, we explored how tech and our phones can positively impact gratitude practices, turning everyday interactions into opportunities for appreciation and helping us build deeper connections with those around us.

Technology Expands Gratitude Research and Accessibility

To even have this conversation around gratitude, Simon-Thomas says, it’s imperative to recognize how technology has made her research more valuable. Traditionally, gratitude research was limited to small groups in controlled environments, but she explains that technology has broken down those barriers. Today, studies can reach thousands of people from all backgrounds, making gratitude research more inclusive and widespread.

“When I did neuroscience research, 16 to 20 people was my sample size. Now, over 90,000 people have completed one of our web-based, mobile-optimized programs,” says Simon-Thomas. “We are getting data from people all over the world and from all walks of life, leading to more meaningful insights and greater inclusivity.”

Furthermore, the latest devices make it easy to access apps and online platforms with gratitude journals, research articles and daily prompts, encouraging people to reflect on what they’re thankful for. This accessibility fosters a community where sharing and discussing gratitude becomes part of everyday life, Simon-Thomas says, inspiring more people to adopt gratitude practices. And with our best plan on America’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network, you can easily and quickly enjoy connecting with others.

TYSM for Being Specific

Yes, we’ve said it before (like here and here), but we’ll say it again: Sending a “thank you” text can have the same effect as a handwritten note. But the power lies in the details. Gratitude becomes more impactful when it’s specific, Simon-Thomas notes.

“If you express gratitude and you describe what the person did, the effort they put forth and how it led to good, you’re creating accountability for the other person’s gesture of goodness to you, which is much more powerful,” says Simon-Thomas. “People feel more recognized and appreciated when you provide that kind of detail, and it doesn’t take that much longer. Speaking unscientifically, I would argue that with the extra 20 to 30 seconds it takes to compose that much of a message, the benefit is 20 to 30 times better.”

This specificity can be easily integrated into digital communications, she says. Instead of just sending a generic thank you text, take a moment to elaborate on what you appreciate. For instance, saying, “Thank you for always being there for me during tough times,” can resonate more deeply than a simple “TYSM.” This approach not only strengthens relationships but also enhances an individual’s personal feeling of gratitude.

And to avoid gratitude becoming just another checkbox activity, consider personalizing your messages. Use your phone’s features — like sending voice notes or using video messages — to share your feelings in a more heartfelt manner. These small changes can make your expressions of gratitude feel more sincere and engaging.

GIVING SEASON BANNER 
Ways T-Mobile Shows Gratitude by Giving Back

On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, through the T Life App, T-Mobile is donating up to 2 million meals (a $200K value) to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks that serve more than 46 million people. ​

Each employee will also receive $25 to donate to a nonprofit of their choice, with the T-Mobile Foundation matching every food donation with a $15 gift to local food banks partnering with T-Mobile such as Harvesters and Food Lifeline.

During last year’s Giving Season, thousands of nonprofits received donations totaling almost $530,000 from nearly 22,000 T-Mobile employees.

During the 2024 World Series, T-Mobile donated $1 million to the American Red Cross through its “Rally for Hurricane Relief” campaign.

The Un-carrier also continues to drive local change and help close the digital divide, awarding $1.6 million in Digital Equity HQ Grants in the greater Seattle and Kansas City areas by the end of 2024 for funding local projects that help provide education on digital literacy, employment opportunities, technology training programs and more. 
CTA BUTTON

A Future of Real-Time Gratitude Reminders

Looking ahead to how tech could influence our gratitude practices in the future, imagine if your smartwatch or other AI-powered device detected stress and nudged you to focus on something positive. Simon-Thomas says that, much like those in the mental health space are exploring the benefits of wearable technology, she hopes there might be a day where technology can become a mindfulness ally and help people practice gratitude when it’s needed most.

“One of the aspirations for this field is to have a closed loop system where your technology would detect that you’re in a moment of ennui and know where you are and what you’re doing and then maybe give you a little, ‘Hey, what could you notice right now that is uplifting or worth celebrating or feeling grateful for?’”

In the end, using tech to show a little gratitude is a small shift that can make a big difference — for your relationships and your own well-being.

Ever noticed the power of a genuine “thanks”?

Gratitude is all about recognizing that something good has come into your life thanks to someone else. It’s that feeling of positive acknowledgment that often arrives through kindness or support we didn’t necessarily earn. And in today’s hyper-connected world, where tech is always at our fingertips, here’s a twist: Could our devices help us unlock more genuine gratitude?

In a recent chat with Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Science Director at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, we explored how tech and our phones can positively impact gratitude practices, turning everyday interactions into opportunities for appreciation and helping us build deeper connections with those around us.

Technology Expands Gratitude Research and Accessibility

To even have this conversation around gratitude, Simon-Thomas says, it’s imperative to recognize how technology has made her research more valuable. Traditionally, gratitude research was limited to small groups in controlled environments, but she explains that technology has broken down those barriers. Today, studies can reach thousands of people from all backgrounds, making gratitude research more inclusive and widespread.

“When I did neuroscience research, 16 to 20 people was my sample size. Now, over 90,000 people have completed one of our web-based, mobile-optimized programs,” says Simon-Thomas. “We are getting data from people all over the world and from all walks of life, leading to more meaningful insights and greater inclusivity.”

Furthermore, the latest devices make it easy to access apps and online platforms with gratitude journals, research articles and daily prompts, encouraging people to reflect on what they’re thankful for. This accessibility fosters a community where sharing and discussing gratitude becomes part of everyday life, Simon-Thomas says, inspiring more people to adopt gratitude practices. And with our best plan on America’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network, you can easily and quickly enjoy connecting with others.

TYSM for Being Specific

Yes, we’ve said it before (like here and here), but we’ll say it again: Sending a “thank you” text can have the same effect as a handwritten note. But the power lies in the details. Gratitude becomes more impactful when it’s specific, Simon-Thomas notes.

“If you express gratitude and you describe what the person did, the effort they put forth and how it led to good, you’re creating accountability for the other person’s gesture of goodness to you, which is much more powerful,” says Simon-Thomas. “People feel more recognized and appreciated when you provide that kind of detail, and it doesn’t take that much longer. Speaking unscientifically, I would argue that with the extra 20 to 30 seconds it takes to compose that much of a message, the benefit is 20 to 30 times better.”

This specificity can be easily integrated into digital communications, she says. Instead of just sending a generic thank you text, take a moment to elaborate on what you appreciate. For instance, saying, “Thank you for always being there for me during tough times,” can resonate more deeply than a simple “TYSM.” This approach not only strengthens relationships but also enhances an individual’s personal feeling of gratitude.

And to avoid gratitude becoming just another checkbox activity, consider personalizing your messages. Use your phone’s features — like sending voice notes or using video messages — to share your feelings in a more heartfelt manner. These small changes can make your expressions of gratitude feel more sincere and engaging.

GIVING SEASON BANNER 
Ways T-Mobile Shows Gratitude by Giving Back

On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, through the T Life App, T-Mobile is donating up to 2 million meals (a $200K value) to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks that serve more than 46 million people. ​

Each employee will also receive $25 to donate to a nonprofit of their choice, with the T-Mobile Foundation matching every food donation with a $15 gift to local food banks partnering with T-Mobile such as Harvesters and Food Lifeline.

During last year’s Giving Season, thousands of nonprofits received donations totaling almost $530,000 from nearly 22,000 T-Mobile employees.

During the 2024 World Series, T-Mobile donated $1 million to the American Red Cross through its “Rally for Hurricane Relief” campaign.

The Un-carrier also continues to drive local change and help close the digital divide, awarding $1.6 million in Digital Equity HQ Grants in the greater Seattle and Kansas City areas by the end of 2024 for funding local projects that help provide education on digital literacy, employment opportunities, technology training programs and more. 
CTA BUTTON

A Future of Real-Time Gratitude Reminders

Looking ahead to how tech could influence our gratitude practices in the future, imagine if your smartwatch or other AI-powered device detected stress and nudged you to focus on something positive. Simon-Thomas says that, much like those in the mental health space are exploring the benefits of wearable technology, she hopes there might be a day where technology can become a mindfulness ally and help people practice gratitude when it’s needed most.

“One of the aspirations for this field is to have a closed loop system where your technology would detect that you’re in a moment of ennui and know where you are and what you’re doing and then maybe give you a little, ‘Hey, what could you notice right now that is uplifting or worth celebrating or feeling grateful for?’”

In the end, using tech to show a little gratitude is a small shift that can make a big difference — for your relationships and your own well-being.

SEATTLE, November 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Climate Vault Solutions today announced the launch of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for innovative carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects. The RFP program is designed to drive the next wave of CDR technologies that will catalyze global carbon removal solutions. In a significant shift from prior rounds run by the Climate Vault, Inc. 501(c)(3), this RFP will accept rolling submissions on a new streamlined platform and feature program enhancements that will cut the evaluation process in half. This enables Climate Vault Solutions to accelerate the overall pace of innovation occurring within the CDR space by providing applicants with more flexibility and faster results that can help grow and scale their technologies.

How to Apply 
Climate Vault Solutions seeks projects that demonstrate innovation and scalability, with a focus on measurable and verifiable carbon removal outcomes. CDR developers interested in applying can submit project proposals at any time. At this time, the RFP program is open to solutions worldwide that fall under the terrestrial, technological, and oceanic pathways. Most projects will receive feedback and a final decision within six months of submission, offering more predictability and speed for innovators seeking to scale their solutions. Successful applicants will receive the CDR Innovation Award, which contains many benefits including: opportunities for grant funding, co-marketing activities, and inclusion in Climate Vault Solutions’ exclusive portfolio and direct sales channel for carbon removal credits.

The RFP leverages the standards created by the Climate Vault Technology Experts Chamber (“Tech Chamber”), which is led by former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, under the Climate Vault, Inc. 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It establishes standards, which are the most stringent in the industry, for evaluating high-quality carbon removal technologies through the RFP program.

“Carbon dioxide removal is no longer an option; it’s an absolute necessity in our fight against climate change,” said Secretary Moniz. “We need CDR technologies that are held to the highest standards, because only those with proven scalability and credibility can make the impact required to reach net zero emissions.”

Each project application is subjected to a multi-step review against these standards to ensure it meets measurable, verifiable, and scalable benchmarks before being selected as a winning project. This process ensures that only the most credible, high-quality technologies are selected to receive the CDR Innovation Award.

“Over the last few decades, the voluntary carbon market has failed to deliver the promised reductions in greenhouse gasses due to weak standards and conflicts of interest,” said Michael Greenstone, Chairman of the Board for Climate Vault Solutions and the Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. “With all serious plans to limit climate damages relying on the emergence of reliable CDR technologies, we cannot repeat the mistakes of the past in judging which ones deliver.”

“Put simply, the planet needs credible CDR technologies,” Greenstone continued. “Climate Vault’s Tech Chamber, composed of the world’s leading scientists on these technologies, is setting the global standard for what qualifies as high-quality CDR. Climate progress depends on them getting it right and we are honored to work with them.”

The RFP for Innovative CDR Projects is at the forefront of advancing high-impact carbon removal technologies. The previous RFP round, run by the Climate Vault 501(c)(3), saw a more than 500 percent increase in applications and, critically, the inaugural selection of two CDR companies—Carbon Lockdown and Octavia Carbon—as recipients of the CDR Innovation Award. Together, their approved projects are capable of verifiably removing up to 15,000 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. This was the first time the Tech Chamber’s rigorous standards for CDR solutions had been fully met, and this new enhanced round from Climate Vault Solutions aims to build on that momentum.

“Climate Vault’s commitment to supporting innovative CDR solutions like ours is exactly what we need to accelerate carbon removal in time to address the climate issue,” said Martin Freimüller, Co-Founder & CEO of Octavia Carbon. “Their support will provide the perfect springboard for us to accelerate the development and deployment of our low-cost DAC technology in Kenya.”

To learn more about the RFP process and eligibility criteria, visit Climate Vault Solutions’ RFP page.

###

About Climate Vault Solutions 
Climate Vault Solutions is a leading provider of sustainable technology solutions, helping organizations measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint in the most credible way possible. Its integrated reduction and removal program leverages government-regulated compliance carbon markets to knock out carbon in days, not decades. This approach generates the environmental impact that today’s employees, stakeholders and customers care about and expect from organizations. With a focus on transparency and verifiability, Climate Vault Solutions enables companies to take meaningful climate action today, while driving tangible progress towards a net-zero future. Learn more at www.climatevault.com.

SEATTLE, November 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Climate Vault Solutions today announced the launch of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for innovative carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects. The RFP program is designed to drive the next wave of CDR technologies that will catalyze global carbon removal solutions. In a significant shift from prior rounds run by the Climate Vault, Inc. 501(c)(3), this RFP will accept rolling submissions on a new streamlined platform and feature program enhancements that will cut the evaluation process in half. This enables Climate Vault Solutions to accelerate the overall pace of innovation occurring within the CDR space by providing applicants with more flexibility and faster results that can help grow and scale their technologies.

How to Apply 
Climate Vault Solutions seeks projects that demonstrate innovation and scalability, with a focus on measurable and verifiable carbon removal outcomes. CDR developers interested in applying can submit project proposals at any time. At this time, the RFP program is open to solutions worldwide that fall under the terrestrial, technological, and oceanic pathways. Most projects will receive feedback and a final decision within six months of submission, offering more predictability and speed for innovators seeking to scale their solutions. Successful applicants will receive the CDR Innovation Award, which contains many benefits including: opportunities for grant funding, co-marketing activities, and inclusion in Climate Vault Solutions’ exclusive portfolio and direct sales channel for carbon removal credits.

The RFP leverages the standards created by the Climate Vault Technology Experts Chamber (“Tech Chamber”), which is led by former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, under the Climate Vault, Inc. 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It establishes standards, which are the most stringent in the industry, for evaluating high-quality carbon removal technologies through the RFP program.

“Carbon dioxide removal is no longer an option; it’s an absolute necessity in our fight against climate change,” said Secretary Moniz. “We need CDR technologies that are held to the highest standards, because only those with proven scalability and credibility can make the impact required to reach net zero emissions.”

Each project application is subjected to a multi-step review against these standards to ensure it meets measurable, verifiable, and scalable benchmarks before being selected as a winning project. This process ensures that only the most credible, high-quality technologies are selected to receive the CDR Innovation Award.

“Over the last few decades, the voluntary carbon market has failed to deliver the promised reductions in greenhouse gasses due to weak standards and conflicts of interest,” said Michael Greenstone, Chairman of the Board for Climate Vault Solutions and the Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. “With all serious plans to limit climate damages relying on the emergence of reliable CDR technologies, we cannot repeat the mistakes of the past in judging which ones deliver.”

“Put simply, the planet needs credible CDR technologies,” Greenstone continued. “Climate Vault’s Tech Chamber, composed of the world’s leading scientists on these technologies, is setting the global standard for what qualifies as high-quality CDR. Climate progress depends on them getting it right and we are honored to work with them.”

The RFP for Innovative CDR Projects is at the forefront of advancing high-impact carbon removal technologies. The previous RFP round, run by the Climate Vault 501(c)(3), saw a more than 500 percent increase in applications and, critically, the inaugural selection of two CDR companies—Carbon Lockdown and Octavia Carbon—as recipients of the CDR Innovation Award. Together, their approved projects are capable of verifiably removing up to 15,000 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. This was the first time the Tech Chamber’s rigorous standards for CDR solutions had been fully met, and this new enhanced round from Climate Vault Solutions aims to build on that momentum.

“Climate Vault’s commitment to supporting innovative CDR solutions like ours is exactly what we need to accelerate carbon removal in time to address the climate issue,” said Martin Freimüller, Co-Founder & CEO of Octavia Carbon. “Their support will provide the perfect springboard for us to accelerate the development and deployment of our low-cost DAC technology in Kenya.”

To learn more about the RFP process and eligibility criteria, visit Climate Vault Solutions’ RFP page.

###

About Climate Vault Solutions 
Climate Vault Solutions is a leading provider of sustainable technology solutions, helping organizations measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint in the most credible way possible. Its integrated reduction and removal program leverages government-regulated compliance carbon markets to knock out carbon in days, not decades. This approach generates the environmental impact that today’s employees, stakeholders and customers care about and expect from organizations. With a focus on transparency and verifiability, Climate Vault Solutions enables companies to take meaningful climate action today, while driving tangible progress towards a net-zero future. Learn more at www.climatevault.com.

In this latest blog Cascale CEO, Colin Browne breaks down the five essential shifts that will shape fashion’s future, drawing from the latest insights in McKinsey & BoF’s State of Fashion 2025 report. With economic uncertainty rising and traditional strategies falling short, Browne outlines his plans to lead Cascale as we redefine the landscape and disrupt the status quo.

Read the full blog here.

In this latest blog Cascale CEO, Colin Browne breaks down the five essential shifts that will shape fashion’s future, drawing from the latest insights in McKinsey & BoF’s State of Fashion 2025 report. With economic uncertainty rising and traditional strategies falling short, Browne outlines his plans to lead Cascale as we redefine the landscape and disrupt the status quo.

Read the full blog here.

Originally published on GoDaddy 

TEMPE, Ariz., November 13, 2024 /3BL/ — Consumers are in a giving mood this year, not just toward their friends and families, but also to small businesses. According to a new GoDaddy survey, 71%* of U.S. shoppers are willing to pay more to support small businesses during Black Friday and this year’s holiday season, with an eye-popping 53%* of them willing to spend up to 10 percent more to do so.

Despite 65%* of survey respondents agreeing that inflation will impact their shopping this holiday season, their desire to shop small is clear. More than 3 in 4 (78%)** people are as or more likely to shop at a small business this Black Friday and throughout the holidays compared to previous years, with Gen Z being the most likely to shop small (85%)** and Millennials following closely behind (83%)**.

Of the reasons to favor small businesses, 30% of respondents cited wanting to support their local economy, while 18% claimed doing so led to better customer service, and 13% preferred unique or handmade products**.

The Stakes Are Big for Small Businesses

GoDaddy surveyed U.S. consumers to help small businesses understand their customers’ shopping priorities during the all-important holiday season. According to the survey results, 40%* of U.S. consumers plan to do most of their holiday shopping in the next four weeks, with almost 1 in 5 (19%)* planning to do the bulk of their shopping on Black Friday alone.

“Black Friday has long been considered peak selling season for large retailers, but GoDaddy’s research makes it crystal clear U.S. shoppers are willing and eager to make this the smallest Black Friday ever,” said GoDaddy Small Business Trends Expert, Amy Jennette. “Despite inflation concerns and rising costs, consumers want to support their local businesses and economies.”

Jennette continued: “To take advantage of this opportunity, small businesses should lean into the ‘shopping small’ experience that consumers value and are willing to pay more for. They can do this by focusing on unique holiday promotions and offers to attract traffic and provide superior customer service along with unique products and experiences they can’t find elsewhere.”

Who Consumers Are Shopping for and How Much They’re Spending 

GoDaddy’s survey also shows consumers are embracing the spirit of giving. Nearly one-third (31%) of consumers purchase gifts for six or more people, and 10%* extend their shopping lists to more than 10 people.

For many, the holiday season is a time to show their generosity, with about a fifth of respondents (22%)** typically spending more than $100 per person. Additionally, 32% of shoppers who participated in the survey reported spending between $51 and $100 per person during the holidays. That means over half (54%) of respondents plan to spend more than $50 on gifts per person this holiday season.

Spreading holiday joy isn’t just about giving gifts to others. Two-thirds (67%)** of consumers intend to treat themselves to a holiday indulgence, as well. Gen Z is the most likely to do so, with 83%** planning to buy themselves a special item or experience.

So Many Tools and Resources to Help Small Businesses This Holiday Season

Small businesses looking for guidance on how to maximize their seasonal sales should visit GoDaddy’s Ultimate Guide to Holiday Campaign Planning. Valuable resources include holiday marketing advice by channel, do’s and don’ts for offering seasonal promotions, AI prompts that make it easy to manage and promote a business during the busiest time of year, and much more.

Visit GoDaddy.com to learn more about the solutions GoDaddy offers small businesses, including the AI-powered GoDaddy Airo experience that TechRadar called “a game-changer for small businesses looking to establish their online presence, particularly because of how much time and effort it saves.”

Methodology 
The survey data referenced in this news release was collected via two surveys in which U.S. consumers were asked about their holiday shopping habits: one conducted in October 2024 with 1,247 respondents* and one in September 2024 with 1,520 respondents**.

About GoDaddy 
GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

Originally published on GoDaddy 

TEMPE, Ariz., November 13, 2024 /3BL/ — Consumers are in a giving mood this year, not just toward their friends and families, but also to small businesses. According to a new GoDaddy survey, 71%* of U.S. shoppers are willing to pay more to support small businesses during Black Friday and this year’s holiday season, with an eye-popping 53%* of them willing to spend up to 10 percent more to do so.

Despite 65%* of survey respondents agreeing that inflation will impact their shopping this holiday season, their desire to shop small is clear. More than 3 in 4 (78%)** people are as or more likely to shop at a small business this Black Friday and throughout the holidays compared to previous years, with Gen Z being the most likely to shop small (85%)** and Millennials following closely behind (83%)**.

Of the reasons to favor small businesses, 30% of respondents cited wanting to support their local economy, while 18% claimed doing so led to better customer service, and 13% preferred unique or handmade products**.

The Stakes Are Big for Small Businesses

GoDaddy surveyed U.S. consumers to help small businesses understand their customers’ shopping priorities during the all-important holiday season. According to the survey results, 40%* of U.S. consumers plan to do most of their holiday shopping in the next four weeks, with almost 1 in 5 (19%)* planning to do the bulk of their shopping on Black Friday alone.

“Black Friday has long been considered peak selling season for large retailers, but GoDaddy’s research makes it crystal clear U.S. shoppers are willing and eager to make this the smallest Black Friday ever,” said GoDaddy Small Business Trends Expert, Amy Jennette. “Despite inflation concerns and rising costs, consumers want to support their local businesses and economies.”

Jennette continued: “To take advantage of this opportunity, small businesses should lean into the ‘shopping small’ experience that consumers value and are willing to pay more for. They can do this by focusing on unique holiday promotions and offers to attract traffic and provide superior customer service along with unique products and experiences they can’t find elsewhere.”

Who Consumers Are Shopping for and How Much They’re Spending 

GoDaddy’s survey also shows consumers are embracing the spirit of giving. Nearly one-third (31%) of consumers purchase gifts for six or more people, and 10%* extend their shopping lists to more than 10 people.

For many, the holiday season is a time to show their generosity, with about a fifth of respondents (22%)** typically spending more than $100 per person. Additionally, 32% of shoppers who participated in the survey reported spending between $51 and $100 per person during the holidays. That means over half (54%) of respondents plan to spend more than $50 on gifts per person this holiday season.

Spreading holiday joy isn’t just about giving gifts to others. Two-thirds (67%)** of consumers intend to treat themselves to a holiday indulgence, as well. Gen Z is the most likely to do so, with 83%** planning to buy themselves a special item or experience.

So Many Tools and Resources to Help Small Businesses This Holiday Season

Small businesses looking for guidance on how to maximize their seasonal sales should visit GoDaddy’s Ultimate Guide to Holiday Campaign Planning. Valuable resources include holiday marketing advice by channel, do’s and don’ts for offering seasonal promotions, AI prompts that make it easy to manage and promote a business during the busiest time of year, and much more.

Visit GoDaddy.com to learn more about the solutions GoDaddy offers small businesses, including the AI-powered GoDaddy Airo experience that TechRadar called “a game-changer for small businesses looking to establish their online presence, particularly because of how much time and effort it saves.”

Methodology 
The survey data referenced in this news release was collected via two surveys in which U.S. consumers were asked about their holiday shopping habits: one conducted in October 2024 with 1,247 respondents* and one in September 2024 with 1,520 respondents**.

About GoDaddy 
GoDaddy (NYSE: GDDY) helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a professional website, attract customers, sell their products and services, and accept payments online and in-person. GoDaddy’s easy-to-use tools help microbusiness owners manage everything in one place and its expert guides are available to provide assistance 24/7. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

AUSTIN, Texas, November 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Whole Cities, a Whole Foods Market Foundation project working to broaden access to fresh, healthy food and nutrition education, announced today that it will award 71 Community First Grants to nonprofit organizations in the United States and British Columbia. This year’s grantees will receive an average of $9,000 each for a total investment of over $639,000. 

Founded in 2014, Whole Cities builds collaborative partnerships with community-led organizations to foster resilient, equitable food systems and transform community health. During the past 10 years, the project has partnered with over 332 nonprofits across 169 cities in the U.S. and Canada, contributing more than $5 million to local communities.

Whole Cities’ annual Community First Grant Program supports local partnerships between Whole Foods Market Team Members (employees) and nonprofits with programs serving adults and/or older youth that expand long-term access to fresh, healthy food and/or nutrition education. Team Members nominate eligible, locally led nonprofit organizations for the grant. Throughout the grant year, they participate in opportunities that support their partner’s mission.

“Since its inception, Whole Cities has believed in the power of homegrown solutions that are tailored to the goals of individual communities,” Dianna Purcell, Director of Programs for Whole Cities. “This year’s cohort of Community First Grant partners demonstrates the diversity of approaches that this work can take as leaders across the U.S. and Canada work to improve access to fresh healthy food and nutrition education for their neighbors.”

The 2024 – 2025 Community First Grant partners span 54 cities in 25 U.S. states and 1 Canadian province. Their projects include:

23 nutrition education and healthy cooking classes12 community gardens10 urban farms8 agricultural skills development programs7 special projects5 farmer’s markets, co-ops and grocery stores3 mobile markets2 SNAP and WIC incentive programs1 pop-up markets and CSAs

Here’s a snapshot of how some of these Community First Grant partners are transforming their local food landscape and advancing community health:

Chef Angels — This nonprofit in San Diego, California has a mission is to uplift, educate, and inspire underserved youth in their community through a culinary education. They offer teens and young adults immediate, short-term support and the tools and resources to develop long-term resilience and improved quality of life. 
 Food Assistance Match — Based in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, this community partner manages a SNAP incentive program that doubles the value of food assistance benefits at select farmer’s markets to bridge the gap between food-insecure populations and local farmers. 
 The Food Project — This Lincoln, Massachusetts nonprofit leads agricultural skills development programs that aim to create a productive community of youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a sustainable food system. 
 The Refugee Collective — This 20-acre organic urban farm in Austin, Texas creates livelihood opportunities by reconnecting refugees from traditional farming cultures to land in their new communities and increasing food access through regenerative agriculture. 
 Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice — This six-time grantee is working to rebuild and improve underserved neighborhoods in the Bronx, New York by empowering individuals through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

Since launching the Community First Grant program in 2016, Whole Cities has awarded 477 grants in 161 cities, investing over $3.4 million. 288 Team Members from 153 Whole Foods Market stores and every store support office have participated.

For more information on Whole Cities’ Community First Grant Program and other community engagement work, visit wholecities.org.

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ABOUT WHOLE CITIES

Whole Cities is a project of Whole Foods Market Foundation, an independent, nonprofit organization founded by Whole Foods Market based in Austin, Texas. Whole Cities has worked alongside more than 332 community-based organizations in more than 169 cities in the U.S. and Canada to improve neighborhood health through collaborative partnerships, nutrition education, and broader access to fresh, healthy food. Through vibrant grant programs, Whole Cities supports community gardens, urban farms, pop-up produce stands, agriculture skills development, farmers’ markets, mobile markets, healthy cooking classes and other community-directed initiatives to build thriving local food systems and improve health. For more information on Whole Cities and its programs, visit wholecities.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Nikki Newman-Sobhani
Nikki.Newman@wholefoods.com