What is a B Corp?
Earlier this year I had a conversation with B Lab Public Relations Director Katie Kerr. I was interested in the concept that a for profit company would have social good as a core value. Over 700 companies in the United States alone are Certified B Corporations.
"I think that my calling was really to social good in general, the way I was raised. In order for us to be truly prosperous we need to have all of our resources and all of our tools put to creating a better world.
B Lab is a non profit organization "that serves a global movement of entrepreneurs using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems."
There are over 700 certified B Corporations in the US alone. How can you get a clearer picture of what is at the core of how these companies operate? B Lab offers B Analytics which provides a way to conduct research to guide consumer decisions on which companies to support.
In addition to functioning as a resource for consumers, B Lab provides a way for business owners to go forward in areas such as measuring impact, reporting to stakeholders, and creating an individualized approach to improvement to name a few.
"Today, there is a growing community of more than 950 Certified B Corps from 32 countries and 60 industries working together toward 1 unifying goal: to redefine success in business"
How do you begin to unpack the idea of redefining success in business into several manageable areas of focus in order to reach that goal? "I think that the idea of having a larger goal with many pieces is
ultimately what makes this a successful idea. We take a systemic approach. When you take our B Impact Statement, which measures overall environmental impact, it's broken down into several areas."
"By answering the questions in the B Impact Statement, business owners have a chance to asses where they need to improve. This resources is free online and completely confidential. The score is broken down by impact areas. You can identify how you can improve."
What message does B Corporation want to send to entrepreneurs and consumers? " I think the message that we need to send is B the Change. Ultimately, we want to celebrate and reward people who are using business for social good. That includes individuals within businesses as well as consumers."
There are a variety of ways that one can B the Change:
*"Creating a business that brings jobs to millions that were formerly unemployable."
*"Conducting research (on the companies to which you are considering lending your support)
*Supporting B Corporations via social media or other forms of mass media
*Tell a friend or family member about a B Corporation
"Best for the World honors the best of the best and it is a great way to get inspired and see who's on top and really leading the way. These are the people who are going above and beyond and really succeeding, 30% of them are outside the United States. Some of the people on the list are in developing countries."
