B Corp Declaration of Interdependence
We envision a new sector of the economy which harnesses the power of private enterprise to create public benefit. This sector is comprised of a new type of corporation – the B Corporation™ – which is purpose-driven and creates benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
As members of this emerging sector and as entrepreneurs and investors in B Corporations™
We hold these truths to be self-evident:
That we must be the change we seek in the world;
That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered;
That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.
To do so, requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.
B Corps create exponentially positive impact when they use their Business as a Force for Good
They shift from “products for good” to “companies for good”
This positions companies to not only be the Best in the World – but the Best FOR the World
They maximize shared stakeholder value rather than shareholder value
This creates a shared and durable prosperity
They are essential to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030
The SDG Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”
What is a B Corp?
- Certification – Like fair trade (or organic or Energy Star), but for the whole company
- Accountability – Meets the highest standards of verified performance and transparency
- Mindedness – A better way to do business — better for workers, communities, planet
- Community – To work together and increase our individual and collective impacts
- Movement – Leading a global movement of people using business as a force for good
Why Become a B Corp?
B Corps want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and of course it has to make business sense. B Corp Certification helps companies:
- Differentiate from pretenders.
- Generate awareness of endeavors.
- Attract and engage team members.
- Get recognized among other businesses doing good.
- Build credibility by benchmarking performance.
- Access member services and discounts.
- Save resources.
- Find and work with like-minded peers.
- Reach potential investors, partners, and collaborators.
- Galvanize trust among customers/consumers/clients.
- Protect your company’s mission.
- Help lead a global movement.
“B Corp is one of 20 Moments That Mattered Over the Last 20 Years.” Among the iPhone, Amazon, and the Human Genome Project
How to Become a Certified B Corp
Measure Your Impact – Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises
Performance Requirement
- Assessment Score of 80 or higher
- Assessment Review Call with B Lab
- Provide Supporting Documents for 8-10 random responses
Cost and Ongoing Requirement
- Certification fee is $500-$50,000 (based on revenue)
- Recertification every three years
- 20% of B Corps receive onsite audit
