For the Greater Good - Volume 11, Issue 5
"If serving is below you, leadership is beyond you."
- Anonymous
Serving others is at the very heart of Benefit Corporations for Good. It's not a coincidence. My co-founder Mary Anne Harmer and I were fortunate to grow up in families where service was a guiding value—a “north star” that provided us with meaning and purpose.
This deep-seated belief in serving others naturally led us to the benefit corporation model.
It aligns perfectly with our values and recognizes the profound impact small businesses can have on their employees, communities, and the planet by embracing the triple bottom line: People, Planet, and Profit. We saw an opportunity to connect with other likeminded leaders and help amplify the good work these businesses were already doing.
That’s why we launched Benefit Corporations for Good (BCFG) in 2018, a third-party standard for benefit corporations that is now visible in 12 states and 1 Canadian province. Supporting purpose-driven leaders who are making a difference while generating profit brings me joy. Empowering these beacons of light and hope through education, advocacy, and certification is, in my view, exactly what the world needs—now more than ever.
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SHOUT OUT to Margo Lalich, co-leader of recently certified North Coast End of Life Collective as she's interviewed on the podcast "Women of the Northwest" about her organization. She also discussed why her company chose to become an Oregon Benefit Company over a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Well done Margo!
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MANY THANKS to Randye Spina, leader of certified BCFG Marketing on a Mission in Philadelphia, for her guest speaking at our inaugural virtual Happy Hour for Good. She covered some excellent marketing tips for small businesses and you will find her content in our "learn more" section below.
If you missed it, don't worry. There will be another virtual HHFG coming first quarter in 2025!
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Since our October newsletter, the following has happened:
1 new BCFG has joined our community
2 current BCFGs have recertified, and
12 states and 1 Canadian province now feature a BCFG certified business
BCFG Manifesto
“We dare to believe that every business can positively impact the world.
We believe that by joining the benefit corporation movement you reinvigorate the planet with sustainability, transparency and empathy.
We believe in the 3 P’s practice of putting People and Planet first because it means more Profit for those who see the wisdom in serving the “greater good.”
We believe in helping empower companies to become benefit corporations because we know that a rising tide lifts all boats. Call us crazy, call us dreamers but we have the audacity to believe we will answer JFK’s words, “If not us, who? If not now, when?”
Want to learn more? Check these out!
7 Inspiring Tips for Your Storytelling
Most of you know that good storytelling is at the heart of a great marketing campaign. To connect with your stakeholders in an honest, authentic manner means stronger engagement for you and your brand. But sometimes you get stuck. Are there some simple tips to help you move forward as a content writer or leader? Here are 7 idea to get the inspiration to tell that all important story. READ NOW
50 Small Business Marketing Ideas
Creating a strategy to boost your online presence may feel overwhelming, but if you’re a small business owner with little experience in online marketing, we've got you covered. Hubspot can help you build and optimize your small business marketing strategy using inbound marketing, setting you up to attract new clients and grow your business. READ NOW
10 Tips To Manifest a Marketing Mindset
Of all the business functions you're juggling, marketing is the most important. Why? Because marketing – including all of its components such as sales and advertising – is the only revenue-producing business function there is. To be successful, marketing should be integrated into everything you do. From operations to budgeting to your phone message to hiring and training employees, and more. Here's how to think about it all: READ NOW
Highlights:
Excited to announce Headlight Mental Healthcare as our latest certified Benefit Corporation for Good, led by founder Matthew Laird. Kudos to Matthew for his excellent triple bottom line work!
Congratulations to Willamette Technical Fabricators and 1525 Co and for their recertifications and all the good they're doing for people and planet!
Upcoming Events:
November 8: Retirement Plans & Planning for Small Biz Owners
Info here
November 13: Best Practices for Nonprofits When Collaborating
Info here
November 15: IP 101: Trademarks & Copyrights
Info here
CURIOUS about why your small business should become a triple bottom line company? Free download of our book about the "why" and "how" of the benefit corporation.
INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING THE SMALL BIZ COMMUNITY THROUGH ADVOCACY?
The Small Business Utility Advocates is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that represents, protects, and promotes the interests of small business utility customers. Energy, water, and other utilities have a direct impact upon the success of small businesses.
As strong supporters of the work of SBUA, Benefit Corporations for Good has seen the organization in action before the Oregon Public Utility Commission and in B2B meetings using expertise and experience to push for equitable treatment for small businesses.
If you're a business leader in the Portland, OR area and want to support SBUA through work advocating for small business, you might be eligible for some compensation for your time and efforts. For details contact diane@utilityadvocates.org.
For more information about what SBUA has been doing generally and in Oregon see www.utilityadvocates.org/news-and-resources.
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? Conscientious 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.