1. The B Corp Movement People Using Business as a Force for Good
One Question
© 2016 B-Corporation

2. Capitalism is not designed to address society’s greatest challenges
What can businesses do?

3. About the B Corp Movement
PBS Newshour on B-Corp
The B-Corp Movement

4. TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE Economic Equity Environment (Profit) (People)
Provide Jobs
Produce Goods & Services
Provide a Return on Investment
Engage in Corporate Social Marketing (Changing Behavior)
Offer Employee Ownership Options
Invest in Good Causes (Corporate Philanthropy)
Equity
(People)
Pay Fair Wages
Provide Benefits
Practice Non-Discrimination in Hiring and Promotion
Adopt Family-Friendly Policies
Promote Healthy Work Environment
Consider Future Generations
Environment
(Planet)
Prevent Pollution
Reduce Waste
Conserve Non-Renewable Resources
Adopt Green Purchasing & Investment Policies
Design Ecological Systems
Promote Biodiversity
  Elkington, J. (1997). Cannibals with Forks: the Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business.

5. Who Certifies B Corps?
B Lab is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that serves a global movement People using Business as a Force for Good.

6. Consumers are Demanding Better
503
370

7. B Corp Speaks to Consumers
73% of conscious consumers care about the company, not just the product. (LOHAS)
<1% of conscious consumers trust company ads or packaging statements when assessing whether a company does what it says
BBMG Research, 2012
LOHAS estimates that there are over 60MM conscious consumers in the US.
<1% of conscious consumers trust company advertisements or statements on packaging when assessing whether a product or company is or does what it says
*Research conducted by BBMG

8. PR: The World is Taking Notice
“B Corporations are a way to transcend the contradictions between the ineffective parts of the social sector and myopic capitalism.”
“The B Corp movement is one of the most important of our lifetime, built on the simple fact that business impacts and serves more than just shareholders – it has an equal responsibility to the community and to the planet.”
Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario.
“B Corp certification gives social-impact businesses street cred among customers, employees, investors and business partners.”
Companies with Benefits”
August 2014, The New Yorker
“The Creative Climate”
July 2014, David Brooks
“In the Unites States, we now have states passing laws authorizing the creation of a new kind of corporation, a benefit corporation…this company is a long term value company that also takes into account the interest of its employees, its customers, and the community of which it is a part.” President Bill Clinton
“Becoming a B Corp raises the reputational cost of abandoning your social goals.” “

9. Meet Greyston Bakery
Yonkers, New York
Created a business that trains people with barriers to employment (ex-cons, homeless, drug history)

10. Meet Microgrid Energy Microgrid
-Founded in the late 60s, 3rd generation, family owned business that makes vacuum filters and silencers. Traditional, industrial company that, after learning about Greyston Bakery in 2010, was inspired to begin journey of figuring out how they could use their business as a force for good. 20% of employees hired from underserved communities. Donates 23% of profits to charity. Overhauled design, manufacturing, and distribution processes to meet high standards of environmental performance and sustainability practices. Hired a LEED AP certified sustainability manager to ensure continuous improvement, working towards towards goal of 100% LEED manufacturing plants and processes. Currently over 50% energy derived from renewable Became B Corp in 2011, best for the world in More background: B Corp profile
Company history:
Company sustainability highlights:
Microgrid

11. B Lab B Corporations fill that gap.
It’s like fair trade, but for the whole company.
B Corp certification provides proof that a company is living it’s values

12. What are Certified B Corps?
Companies using business as a force for good.
They meet verified higher levels of:
1. Social & Environmental
Performance
Min 80 pts on B Impact Assessment
2. Transparency
B Impact Report Transparent
3. Accountability
Expand fiduciary duties to consider interests of all stakeholders
B Corporations fill that gap.
It’s like fair trade, but for the whole company.
B Corp certification provides proof that a company is living it’s values
Patagonia
First to register as a CA benefit corp

13. Certified B Corps as of 2015

14. 1600+ Certified B Corps

15. 1/3 of Certified B Corps are Global
United Kingdom
Canada
Germany
Mongolia
USA
India
Mexico
South Korea
Nicaragua
Kenya
Colombia
Brazil
Australia
Argentina
Chile

16. Subsidiaries as Certified B Corps

17. The Value of B Corp Certification
Differentiate your company through
leadership in a global movement
Support tangible commitment to mission & values as central to business
Support trust among consumers/customers
Generate positive media exposure
Feature in regional & national ad campaigns
Benchmark & report on performance
Engage employees & recruit quality talent
Benefit from services & discounts
Build partnerships in a supportive,
like minded B Corp community

18. Certified Companies, Assessment Scores are Transparent www
Certified Companies, Assessment Scores are Transparent
meeting most rigorous transparency standards, building trust = brand equity
Microgrid

19. 31 States Passed Benefit Corp. Legislation
New Hampshire and Minnesota are the two that passed and should be red.
1,600+ B Corporations Countries Industries Unifying Goal

20. Your Purpose

21. The B Corp Movement People Using Business as a Force for Good

22. So that one day all companies compete to be Best for the World
B Lab is serving a global movement of People Using Business as a Force for Good
So that one day all companies compete to be
Best for the World
Why? Gov’t and np are necessary but insufficient. Business is most powerful tool; Purpose I most powerful motivator.
And society enjoys a
shared and durable prosperity.