Approaching small businesses that you patronize can be a great resource to help your team reach its goal. Not sure where to start? We’re here to guide you and boost your fundraising dollars to help JDRF fund even more life-saving type 1 diabetes (T1D) research!

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Create a list of potential targets. Ask yourself these questions to create a list of prospects: Where do you shop often? Do you know any local owners? Are your friends or family connected to any small businesses?
• Use our Small Business Sales Sheet when you visit local businesses. This Sales Sheet will provide you and the business with several partnership opportunities, such as sneaker sales, vendor opportunities and more.

Ready to ask a businesses to support you?

Get an in-person meeting with an owner/manager.

If you drop your Sales Sheet off, and ask them to pass it along, 999 times out of 1,000 your information will not make it into the hands of a decision-maker (such as an owner or manager). In a meeting, the decision-maker sets time aside just for you, and is more likely to listen and connect with you.

Bring your “Why I Walk” story.

Businesses are looking to support their customers, so make your ask personal! Explain why JDRF One Walk is so important to you and your family, and why it is such a great event to be involved in. Share details about what life with T1D is like; no one can better explain the impact JDRF has than the person living with T1D.

Don’t be afraid to get a no.

It is okay to get a “no” from a business. Next step? Build your relationship. Invite them to join you at a JDRF event and experience the power of One Walk. Follow up with them after the event and share photos. Then, put them on your prospect list for next year!

Be sure to share your success stories! We love to feature small businesses supporting our participants.

And, of course, reach out to JDRF if you would like additional guidance or a partner to make an ask. We’re here to help you reach your goal!