Theirs is a cold, corporate world where money is king and little else matters. That’s the often-unfair reputation many businesses get, not because of their specific mandates or actions, but because of the unfortunate larger associations that come with “business” and “corporate.”

There are many businesses in your community who operate on a basis of trust, understanding and humanity. These companies succeed because of their core values. However, up until a few years ago, there wasn’t an educational program that focused solely on these values and ethical decision-making. But now there is and it’s going strong. The Better Business Bureau Foundation’s LIFT program is turning heads, as it teaches more youth and adults how to make ethical decisions. “Instilling ethical core values in our emerging leaders, like our youth, is paramount to an economic future based on trust, respect and consideration for our co-workers, our clients, our environment and our community,” said Rita Tully, a chartered professional accountant who runs her own firm.

Tully stressed the importance of LIFT to aspiring business owners.

“The core values of these ethics, they will inspire and define the success of their business. It will define the satisfaction and the loyalty and emotional health of their staff. It will define how their clients deal with and react to them,” she said.

Tully emphasized it’s the business owner’s sole responsibility to create an ethical foundation and culture within their company.

LIFT is not just for those aspiring business owners, though. As Tully said, the impacts of the program reach into each student’s community. Neighbourhoods and social groups are strengthened when people know how to make ethical decisions and understand how they impact the individual and people around them.

“Payworks is honoured to support the Better Business Bureau Foundation’s LIFT program as they strive to develop a strong ethical foundation within the next generation of leaders,” said Barb Gamey, founder of Payworks.

“Whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbour in need or challenging the status quo to ensure a more equitable society, it’s critical that each person understands how their actions (big and small) make a difference. Thank you to the Better Business Bureau Foundation for your efforts and commitment to this inspiring initiative.”

LIFT is helping change the fabric of local workplaces and the business community, making them warm and respectful, and helping change the negative connotations attached to “business” for all the right reasons.