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Its been made clear in the past few months that the uncertainty were facing as a country has impacted almost every level of society. And its not lost on me that there is an overwhelming amount of pressure on our state leaders in the current political and economic environment. Unfortunately, Im not confident that these leaders are using their power to tackle the deep-rooted issues that our country continues to facelike the growing wealth gap.
In my home base of Albany, New York there are over 1,000 abandoned properties with the number of unhoused people rising 38% since 2022. Governor Hochul claims to have plans to reinvent New York City, the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valleyrecently announcing a $412 million proposalbut despite budget approvals, weve yet to see a concrete plan and timeline that will move the investment forward.
Take it a step further. The wealth gap in America isnt just growing, its accelerating. And the reality is, we can do something about this. According to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, from 1981 to 2021, income for the top 20% of earners in the U.S. jumped 165%. For the middle and lowest earners? Just 33% and 38%.
Why leaders should be frustrated
Ive grown tired of waiting for government leaders to step up and fight. I no longer expect sweeping reform from the top. So, Ive focused on what I can do from the ground up. Four years ago, my wife Lisa and I started Business for Good in New Yorks Capital Region. Our mission is to close the wealth gap. We invest directly in communities: supporting small businesses, affordable housing, offering marketing and HR resources, mentoring entrepreneurs, and creating ecosystems that allow people to riseand stayout of poverty.
Its working. But its not enough. Not unless more of us get off the sidelines. Thats why Im calling on other leaders to join me in replicating the model that weve used for Business for Good. All it takes is simple, powerful steps that any business leader can follow to use their privilege for good. These are not theoreticalthey work. And theyre built on a belief that I hold deeply: Privilege can be shared, but only by those who have it. The courage to act is contagious.
Here’s where we start
Change starts with one simple but powerful action: listening. We must be willing to actively hear from those who are directly impacted by the growing rise of uncertainty and inequity.
Next, do your homework. Deepen your understanding of inequities and the impacts of rising uncertainty and systemic exclusion. Be courageous, as individual learning and growth is required to drive real change.
Then, confrontand speak up. Acknowledge your own biases as well as share information and resources. If you have a platform, use ityour voice, your company, your community, social media, etc. Remember that if words matter, actions speak louder.
We also need to partner with local government leaders and policy makers who are committed to dismantling barriers and fighting for each and every member of our communities. For us, at Business for Good, we work with local leaders in the Albany/New York Capital Region as part of our pilot program.
Showing up matters. Leverage your privilege for good by sharing your opinion, engaging in activities that support belonging, starting a conversation, and connecting within your local community.
Engagement is key. That means having hard conversations with colleagues, friends, and family. Be brave enough to speak up. We each have a role to play in breaking the silence and building awareness.
Finally, invest. Real impact takes resources.
Actionable ways to drive change
At Business for Good, weve put our money where our mission is, fighting for our neighbors and communities. Weve invested over $1 million to help create the Albany Black Chamber of Commercea hub for community leaders, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to thrive. Weve supported a local community center focused on improving the lives of those in need from youngest to oldest. Were working with like-minded leaders in the private sector to tackle issues that our local government is not: housing and employment to name a few.
Other leaders and cities can and should take this approach to replicate the progress weve seen in our community.
I recently read a set of community values posted in Dubai. And while this was halfway across the world and it wasnt my own community, one message struck me: A successful society is one that lifts everyone up. Lets bring that idea home.
Ed Mitzen is cofounder of Business for Good.
