Why Small Businesses Thrive in Purpose-Driven Communities
As more large corporations are claiming to be ethically driven these days, how do you know if a brand is doing what it’s pledging to do, or if it’s all for show? Even worse, how are these phenomena impacting smaller corporations with honest intentions?
Greenwashing, value-washing and purpose-washing are genuine concerns from consumers as more and more businesses assert themselves as mission-driven brands. Many thought leaders within the community contend that the certification process does have significant educational value, but small businesses may feel a burden between managing certification and a full workload. Small business communities are the heart and soul of the B Corp movement. For those who value their commitments towards sustainability, societal impacts and the environment, there is a place for you within the benefit corporation community.
Focus on Small Businesses Committed to People and Planet
At BCFG, we want businesses of all shapes and sizes to know that certification is doable, credible and within reach. For smaller businesses that may feel intimidated by this process, we are here to support you and make this possible, because ultimately our blue stamp is a symbol of authenticity and trust. But that trust isn't just a label; it’s built on accountability. Accountability means more than just meeting a checklist— it’s about making a real, measurable impact while holding each other to the highest standards of ethical business conduct.
When businesses become certified benefit corporations, not only do they commit to our eight standards, but they also commit to joining the BCFG family. Having a network of other purpose-driven corporations drives our businesses. The process of certifying a corporation automatically comes with unknowns— having other people to talk to, lean on, and ask advice from makes a world of a difference.
To solidify these claims even further, we asked some of our BCFG leaders what it means to them to be certified with the blue dot. Each leader brings a unique perspective on certification, shaped by their expertise in a different business niche.
Meet Michael Jonas, JD, MBA
Michael Jonas is the founder and Principal Attorney of Narwhal Law and Business Strategy, a values-driven legal and consulting firm that supports businesses, nonprofits, and mutual aid organizations that prioritize impact over profit.
We asked Michael, “Do you feel the certification process is manageable as a small business?”
“The certification process is rigorous. This is how it should be because it ensures that businesses uphold the standards that give the benefit company designation its credibility. That said, however, the process is not impossible/is doable. For small businesses, the process can feel daunting without the right guidance. It's definitely manageable but requires time, documentation, and a commitment to continual improvement. The effort is worthwhile, as it leads to more transparency, stronger business practices, and a competitive edge in values-based markets.”
Erik Croswell, Communications Firm Leader
Erik Crosswell is the founder of Bridge City Media, a video production and branding agency that creates video and photo content for expanding digital footprint, SEO initiatives, and ad campaigns.
We asked Erik “Has your certification or commitment to B Corp practices impacted your relationships with your clients/consumers/audiences?”
“Yes! As a B2B service agency, having these certifications help validate that we are a company that takes our own company seriously, and thus accentuates that we will bring a comparable level of care to projects with our clients' companies. It really just makes us seem more legitimate and I've gotten feedback a number of times that folks wanted to work with us directly because of these certifications.”
Michelle Lagos MBA, Leader Digital Strategy Agency
Michelle Lagos is the founder, senior digital strategist, and PM of GetLagosNow.com. Get Lagos Now is a Benefit Corporation for Good and WBE/ESB certified website development, marketing, design and advertising PDX company.
To observe the potential impact of the BCFG network on small businesses, we asked Michelle, “How has being in the BCFG network with like-minded business impacted your mission?”
“Our Values include, building meaningful relationships and focusing on continuous learning and improvement. By being an active BCFG business we're engaging in both, on a regular basis.”
Kim Allchurch Flick, MIM, MBA & CNE Leader
Kim Allchurch Flick is a founder, connector, and collaborator for Mighty Epiphyte Consulting LLC. Allchurch Flick also acts as an Impacts Coach and a Benefits Coach.
We asked Allchurch Flick for her thoughts about the certification process. When presented with the question, “ Do you feel the certification process is manageable as a small business?”
“The assessment is good, and several years in, it's being revamped. As the movement grows and the possibilities grow, the assessment needs to update as well, this is true of all assessments. It shouldn't be easy. It should be manageable for those who are prepared and can document their impacts.”
Being a benefit corporation is more than just a certification. It is a statement, a promise, an oath to use your business for the greater good. While large corporations snag headlines and accolades, small business communities are the heart of the B Corp movement, driving change and inspiring progress. By supporting and uplifting our fellow purpose-minded businesses, we are spearheading our way into the future.
Join us as we charge headfirst into tomorrow by considering the accountability that certification brings and what it would mean for your community.
~benefitcorporationsforgood.com~