It’s a movement that’s becoming the new way to conduct business. Companies are starting to realize that becoming certified as a B Corp differentiates their business, attracts investors and engages top talent. Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s and Etsy have all jumped on the B Corp bandwagon, using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.
It comes as no surprise that companies in the Boulder/Denver area are catching on to the movement, including Newton Running, GoLite and Namaste Solar. Local companies seeking B Corp certification were recently invited to the first Colorado B Impact Assessment Hackathon, held at Boulder’s B Lab, to work with CU Net Impact MBAs on their B Impact Assessment (BIA), the first step toward B Corp certification. Leeds’ Net Impact Club created the Impact Catalyst Program, where MBA students work with companies as consultants throughout the certification process, from compiling information, identifying strategic solutions, and making value-added recommendations. Recently, CESR partnered exclusively with B Lab in creating the B Impact Assessment Handbook, a manual for student consultants who assist companies with acquiring B Corp certification. CESR now has a relationship with B Lab for the purpose of developing and distributing the manual nationally.
The Hackathon included a live work session where ten companies worked through the assessment in real-time, receiving one-on-one help completing the assessment and guidance about how to improve their score. In addition, participants received a copy of the just-released B Corp Handbook, a practical guide for any business to learn how to become a force for good.
B Corps Membership
Business owners are now realizing the impact and benefits of corporate social responsibility through programs like B Corps. If you are a business owner and interested in joining the movement, click here to learn more about B Corps.