In 2007, a group of small-business owners had an idea. They asked, “What would happen if we all gave back just by doing the things we do every day?” It was a question that deeply inspired them.

Three years and a great undertaking later, they were able to design the systems and processes necessary to make it work, and their dream is now a reality. The initiative was originally called 'Buy1Give1', backed by the idea that companies would create a specific giving impact with each designated business transaction. Today, the B1G1 initiative brings together more than 2,600 businesses from around the world — each making significant impacts in their own ways.

Today B1G1 is run by a social enterprise (registered company in Singapore) and non-profit organization (501(c)3 registered in the US) with a mission to create a world that's full of giving. Unlike conventional giving models, B1G1 specifically helps businesses achieve more social impact by embedding giving activities into everyday business operations and creating unique giving stories. Every business transaction can help improve lives for as little as just one cent.

You can also watch the video below to learn about how it all started.