8 Examples of Benefit Corporations Doing Good for the Commons

Regardless of their differences, all Benefit Corporations share one thing in common: their purpose beyond maximizing revenue or share value.

Since Benefit Corporations were first legally passed in 2010, many companies from all different industries have become successful without sacrificing their commitment to doing good for the commons. These businesses are extremely diverse and can range from having one employee to thousands living across seas. Regardless of their differences, all Benefit Corporations share one thing in common; their purpose beyond maximizing revenue or share value.

Chances are, you’ve heard of or supported many Benefit Corporations without even knowing it! To get a better idea of what companies identity with this structure, we sat down with eight business leaders and asked them to share an inspiring example with us.

Those Who Stay True to Its Mission

The Benefit Corporation For Good community is full of inspiring examples of small to midsize companies practicing the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit. Since 2020 has been a year where “financing” has been so critical to the survival of small business, I think that Pacific West Bank is a nice example of a benefit corporation who puts their mission first. As a small business, I’ve seen so many banks operate in different ways in response to PPP funding and COVID-19. The banks who have remained steady throughout the pandemic are ones who have stuck to their values and mission, and Pacific West Bank seems to be one of those refreshing examples.

-Brett Farmiloe, Markitors

A&R Solar

A&R Solar is filled with a team of environmentally conscious specialists who design and install solar energy systems for homeowners, businesses and government agencies. The company was founded in 2007 as an employee owned venture in Seattle, Washington. As one of the first companies dedicated to solar installations in Washington State, A&R Solar empowers its customers by helping them take their energy futures into their own hands while minimizing their carbon footprints. I am inspired by their daily effort to make the world a better, cleaner place to live!

-Court Will, Will & Will

Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau has created a whole company with the vision of creating an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other. They set standards for ethical business behavior, help consumers identify trustworthy businesses, evaluate the practices of thousands of charities so that donors know where their money is going and much more.

-Denise Gredler, BestCompaniesAZ

 Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

In our line of business, we offer commercial leases and loans to a long list of corporations and businesses with equipment financing needs. We have seen these businesses do so much good for the community! Working with Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation was a particularly great opportunity to see a company doing so much good to inspire the world through beautiful spaces.

-Carey Wilbur, Charter Capital

Rational Unicorn Legal Services

Rational Unicorn Legal Services seems to be the most active in helping small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and artists & entertainers. For what is a lawyer’s office, they deeply care about the community surrounding them.

-David Cascadden, Left Coast Raw

Commitment to Improving Its Community

Rather than a specific company, I'm thinking of any organization that is true to its values in all that it does, shows evidence of a strong commitment to the betterment of its community and seeks to create an internal culture in which people of all backgrounds can do their best work each day.

-Trever Cartwright, Coraggio Group

Refresh Glass

Ray Delmuro started Refresh in 2008 with a mission to rescue wine bottles and turn them into drinking glasses. I have watched him over the years grow from his first industrial space to introduce his 10 million bottle rescue mission; all while creating partnerships with well known brands with style, function and purpose. Over the years, I see his resolve through his decisions to create win-win-wins while applying the four (4) Conscious Capitalism principles. He combines art and engineering in a way to show the world what kinds of multifaceted solutions are possible.

-Mark Jamnik, Enjoy Life Daily

Frankie & Jo’s

I grew up just outside of Seattle, so I feel a connection to a lot of small businesses in the area. When I learned about benefit corporations, I also made it a priority to frequent them. For example, Frankie & Jo's is a Seattle ice cream shop that makes plant based ice cream. I love what they do both because it is good for the environment, and also because who doesn’t love ice cream? The business also has an excellent track record of supporting their employees and community. I find Frankie & Jo's inspiring because it shows that you don't need to be a massive company with tens of thousands of employees to make a big difference, you can start small and have an impact now.         

-Tasia Duske, Museum Hack

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