The Greater Good - Volume 3, Issue 3
“You're never too small to make a difference."
- Greta Thunberg
With Spring being sprung, we see a new energy arising. Not just with Mother Nature but with the increased interest in being a small business that is a force for good. The "shoots" are everywhere nurtured by a world that calls for even demands for businesses to be a force for good.
From the garden products manufacturer to the retro apparel business to the DEI consulting company we've recently certified, these small busineses making that commitment are making a difference within their communities and their businesses.
But not just on a local level. These companies are changing the world for the better where sustainability and social justice issues continue to be of critical importance to today's consumers.
As Greta Thunberg says above, the size of the business is not of importance. As we see it, small business will be the biggest driver of a more sustainable, equitable society we all long for now and well into the future.
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Are you a BIPOC business? Helping create an inclusive and welcoming community is the highest priority for us. Because the benefit corporation is a model that embraces ALL people (as well as planet). To further this cause, we are now offering 15% off our certification fee to become a Benefit Corporation for Good to all BIPOC businesses. Just reach out to us.
Now about this issue of The Greater Good.
First of all, you can learn about the 3 indisputable traits every one of the 58 businesses we've certified to date share in common. (If you're in need of a positivity boost, read this blog.)
Secondly, you can discover how a Eugene, Oregon Plant Shop found the ideal growing conditions in an Oregon Benefit Company (benefit corporation).
Finally, you can find out about 10 authentic leadership traits all authentic leaders share (Do you have any of them?)
3 Indisputable Traits of 50 Certified Benefit Corporations Our family of purpose-driven businesses in Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut and New York are doing a lot of good in the world through their business practices just as they explain in the annual benefit reports found on their websites. You’ll find them advocating for climate change solutions. Marching for social justice. Doing good things for their employees, their customers and their communities. While their approach to doing good varies, their beliefs in being a force for good are absolutely consistent. It’s what makes them a Benefit Corporation, pure and simple! Read Now
How a Eugene Plant Shop Found the Ideal Growing Conditions in a Benefit Company The founders of Stingray Botanicals tell you they don’t just sell high quality plants in Lane County. As a registered and certified Benefit Corporation for Good, they are also committed to advocating for social justice and taking hard stances on human and environmental rights. They aim to be a catalyst for change by engaging the community and other businesses on various socioeconomic issues.We recently interviewed co-founder Lukas Robuck about becoming a certified Oregon Benefit Company. Here’s what he had to say about it, the motivation for doing it and why it’s helping grow Stingray Botanicals. Read Now
10 Authentic Leadership Traits All Authentic Leaders Share Can you name the most important trait of an authentic leader? To help you become a more authentic leader, we asked business leaders and HR experts this question for what the see as their best traits. From humility to living the core values, there are several traits of an authentic leader. Here are 5 of the 10 traits of an authentic leader: (1) Trust, (2) Human, (3) Listening, (4) Humility, (5) Not Having All the Answers...Click below to discover the other 5! Read Now
HIGHLIGHTS
Kudos to Noelle Scott, founder and conscientious leader of HD Retro Clothing, one of our most recently certified Benefit Corporations for Good.
Also, congrats to Dan Woodward, founder and conscientious leader of Legwork Local Delivery, another one of our most recently certified Benefit Corporations for Good.
Kudos to the more than 16 recertified businesses (more in the queue). To view all recertified Benefit Corporations for Good, go here and click on the "recertified" button to see all the good this community is doing in the world.
EVENTS
April 12: Funding and Finance Community Workshop
Info here.
April 13: How To Protect Your Brand Name and Logo
Info here.
April 20: Building a Purpose-Driven Business
Info here.
How To Discover and Share Your Core Values as a Business
Info here.
STAY SAFE AND REACH OUT AT ANYTIME
If we can be of service to you in any way during these challenging times, please don't hesitate to contact either one of us. We mean that sincerely.
Thinking good thoughts for you and businesses.
KNOW OTHERS WHO BELIEVE IN A BETTER BUSINESS MODEL?
Do you know other people who are interested in the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit? Leaders and businesses who believe in doing business for the greater good? Then send them this link so they can receive our eletter free every other week devoted, of course, to the greater good!
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If you're interested in seeing the companies we've certified to date, go here.
If you're interested in learning more about our certification process, go here.
If you're interested in becoming an Oregon Benefit Company, go here.