For the Greater Good - Volume 6 - Issue 4
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
-Anais Nin
BCFG continues to work at helping small businesses become beacons of light to all stakeholders. Our community has now identified two of the 17 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to support as a community and as individual businesses.
Currently we are doing due diligence to find an organization to support and advocate for in regard to SDG #10, "Reduced Inequities." The change from "inequalities" to "inequities" was initiated by a few of our purpose-driven leaders and approved by the leaders at our February Happy Hour for Good.
Some of the leaders and guests attending our May 17th "Happy Hour for Good."
We're also working diligently on a bill in the Oregon State legislature that would give benefit corporations a "sustainable advantage" when bidding on state contracts through the office of procurement. The bill has passed the House and Senate committee and now awaiting a floor vote in the Senate. We will continue to update you on our LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook pages.
Finally, during the month of May, we've been celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and the wonderful community of APANO here in Oregon. Thanks to all the good you're doing in your communities and the world.
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Are you ready to become a benefit corporation and a triple bottom line business? Here are 12 simple questions to help you answer that: https://bit.ly/3H5ArYn
Now about this issue of For the Greater Good.
First of all, you can discover an emerging business paradigm that wraps social justice, equity and allyship and helps take the triple bottom line to another level. Written by Mary Anne Harmer, founder emeritus of BCFG.
Secondly, you can learn about being a "woke" company and "profitability." Is there a connection? This recent Rolling Stone article gives you the specifics and the companies that are benefitting from taking stands on social justice.
And finally, you can read about the advantages 9 small business leaders credit for becoming a benefit corporation. Could one of their advantages apply to you and your business?
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The Emerging New Business Paradigm: Social Justice, Equity and Allyship Many of us are disheartened by the daily news. Our society is increasingly polarized with fear and hatred of the “Other.” And many of us wonder what businesses can do. Given the reality of the times, perhaps we need to evolve the triple bottom line with more clarity to the “people and planet” parts of the equation -- as the old best practices may no longer be sufficient. For sadly, despite efforts to focus on the triple bottom line, our communities are still divisive, and more disparities are emerging. A business focus toward Social Justice, Equity and true Allyship may be an important step in the right direction. Read Now
Companies That Get ‘Woke’ Aren’t Going Broke — They’re More Profitable Than Ever “Get woke, go broke,” has become a rallying cry of the political right whenever they see a brand make the slightest effort to align itself with liberal or progressive values. It’s a meme that allows MAGA country to believe that there is ongoing, massive backlash to products that acknowledge and celebrate marginalized communities. But the supposed boycotts never seem to be reflected in the bottom line. Besides, by the time we would expect to notice any effect, conservatives have already moved on to the next outrage. Read Now
9 Advantages of Benefit Corporations There are many advantages to becoming a Benefit Corporation, including doing good for people and the planet. While there is no requirement to be certified to do good for the planet, being a Benefit Corporation could provide perks that you may not have ever had access to on your own. So what are some of these perks? In this top read blog post from the BCFG website, nine thought leaders give their insights about what they see as the advantages of being a Benefit Corporation. Is there one you might find calling to you and your business? Read Now
HIGHLIGHTS
CONGRATS to NONPROFIT PROFESSIONALS NOW, one of our recently certified Benefit Corporations for Good. Here's Agnes Zach, president of a triple bottom line business. Well done Agnes!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL JONAS, leader of Rational Unicorn Legal Services and a certified BCFG, for being named 2023 Oregon Small Business Champion by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
ALLEN HALL PR, our PR team for this past year has done some incredible work for BCFG and its community. We are extremely grateful for all the creativity and wisdom these University of Oregon Seniors have helped provide the BCFG community. Here are a few highlights of their work in our on-going campaign, "Definitely Oregon. Definitely Triple Bottom Line Business."
LEARN MORE about our 8 standards for becoming a certified Benefit Corporation for Good.
EVENTS
June 1: Build Your Impact Conference
Info here.
June 3: My People's Market - 100+ BIPOC businesses, food, music, & performances
Info here.
June 7: Before You Sign: What to Know about Commercial Leases
Info here.
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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 eaders 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.