What is a benefit corporation?

A benefit corporation is a for-profit business that has made a legal commitment to more than just making money. It is a business structure, recognized by most U.S. states, that requires companies to consider how their business decisions affect people and the planet, not just their bottom line. In a traditional corporation, shareholders are typically prioritized. A benefit corporation legally requires consideration of employees, customers, community, and the environment in business decisions.

What is the difference between a B Corp and a benefit corporation?

A benefit corporation is a legal business structure, like an LLC or a sole proprietorship, created by filing paperwork with a state. A B Corp is a certification issued by the nonprofit B Lab after a review of a company's social and environmental practices. Benefit Corporations for Good certification is also a third-party certification, similar to B Corp, but built with small businesses in mind. BCFG is one of only four standards recognized by the Oregon Secretary of State and is the only one based in Oregon.

Why did we start Benefit Corporations for Good?

Benefit Corporations for Good was created because small businesses deserve a way to prove what they stand for. Many purpose-driven business owners are already doing right by their people and their community, but need a trusted and recognizable way to show it. BCFG was created as a certification that is meaningful enough to matter while being built for real small businesses, not only large companies with full-time sustainability teams.

Who is certification for?

Certification is for small businesses that care about their employees, their neighborhood, and the wider world they operate in. Certified businesses include law firms, solar companies, marketing agencies, wine bars, and other industries. Applicants do not need to be perfect, but they need to be serious about their commitment. The process includes a 60-question assessment across eight standards, followed by a short interview. For businesses with five or fewer full-time equivalent employees, the fee is $299.

Tom Hering 7/2/18 Tom Hering 7/2/18

What Changing the World Looks Like Up Close and Personal

It is a paradigm like no other. Where cause-driven businesses collaborate with their communities to change the world. And if you doubt this premise, then you weren’t there. I’m talking about our very first workshop on the Benefit Company movement.

You see, just two weeks ago, my business partner and I talked with 16 curious entrepreneurs at Portland’s HatchLab PDX about the “why” for…

MaryAnne Harmer 6/25/18 MaryAnne Harmer 6/25/18

Does Your Business Have a Soul? Here's How To Tell...

I’ve been around. And I have many chapters in my life to prove it.

An executive at several major healthcare organizations, an ED at a nonprofit agency, a lead strategist at a branding agency, a coach and a consultant for many local and national government agencies, and an entrepreneur launching two start-up companies.

AIong the way, I’ve worked in a multitude of capacities, partnering with…

Tom Hering 6/8/18 Tom Hering 6/8/18

The Revolution: Hail To the Benefit Corporation

The Revolution has begun.

Here's why the Benefit Corporation is the answer to the call for a better community, a better planet and a better business.

MaryAnne Harmer 6/4/18 MaryAnne Harmer 6/4/18

Benefit Companies, Benefit Corporations, B Corps: Anybody Confused?

Well, join the club.

It’s the most common question we get. And yes, there is a difference. But the good news is that all have something in common. Each of these business models is designed to focus on the triple bottom line (the 3 Ps) of PEOPLE, PLANET, PROFIT.

Tom Hering 5/31/18 Tom Hering 5/31/18

The "Why" for the Benefit Corporation (Video Version)

The “Why” for the Benefit Corporation (Video Version)

MaryAnne Harmer 5/25/18 MaryAnne Harmer 5/25/18

The Number 1 Strategy for Long-Term Entrepreneur Success: Be Cause-Driven!

There is no magic formula for a startup. But in today’s world, it is not just about focusing on the bottom line – generating revenue and managing expenses. Customers in 2018 make choices not solely on the cost and quality of a product or service, but whether the company itself is doing good.

Tom Hering 5/23/18 Tom Hering 5/23/18

The Power of Simplicity and the Art of Communication

It's been said that life really is simple. But it's we humans who make it complicated.

Think for a minute about that 2,500 year-old thought from Confucius.

It's really the truth isn't it?

The human condition is such that we are always wanting more.

MaryAnne Harmer 5/21/18 MaryAnne Harmer 5/21/18

Don’t Fake It! People "Sniff Out" Greenwashing

APPLAUSE please…to all those businesses large and small sincerely committed to the triple bottom line of “People, Planet, Profit.” These include social enterprises, B Corps, Benefit Companies and other cause-driven organizations that believe “doing good is good for business.”

These are the authentic ones. Those with honest and sincere efforts…

Tom Hering 5/14/18 Tom Hering 5/14/18

4 Hard-Learned Lessons about Inspiring a Movement

It was 90 days ago.

That’s all it has been since the launch of our new book “Putting Soul Into Business: How the Benefit Corporation is Transforming American Business for Good.” And while we are pleased with getting it written and into the hands of good organizations and good people, we know our real work has just begun.

MaryAnne Harmer 5/8/18 MaryAnne Harmer 5/8/18

Why Should a Brewery Become a Benefit Company?

From Voodoo Donuts to Forest Park to food carts, Oregon is proud of its many unique attractions. At the top of the list for many people is the fact that this is a world-class beer state with many Oregonians proud of this thriving and energetic industry. It is a part of…

MaryAnne Harmer 4/30/18 MaryAnne Harmer 4/30/18

Trust: An Imperative for Benefit Corporations

It’s a new world. Where social sharing has become a powerful force in our lives.

In this connected world, people depend more and more…

Tom Hering 4/25/18 Tom Hering 4/25/18

How To Become an Oregon Benefit Company (6 Simple Steps)

If you’re considering becoming an Oregon Benefit Company, you need to follow these six simple steps:

MaryAnne Harmer 4/24/18 MaryAnne Harmer 4/24/18

Benefit Corporations: The Path of the New Collaborative Economy

There is a buzz.

It’s about a new business model transforming American Business and evangelizing the spirit of collaboration for the common good as well as to create profit and success.

It is taking hold across country through…

MaryAnne Harmer 4/19/18 MaryAnne Harmer 4/19/18

How Conscientious Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Benefit Corporations

It’s easy to banter about the “Triple Bottom Line.” And in today’s world it’s trendy to state one stands for People, Planet and Profit.

But the proof is in the pudding. Or to use another cliché, do these companies truly practice what they preach?

Tom Hering 4/16/18 Tom Hering 4/16/18

How Your Benefit Corporation Takes a Stand

You know your business stands for something special in the world as a benefit corporation.

But do your key stakeholders? Your partners, customers and clients?

Do they understand your plan to make a difference...to help create an equitable world?

MaryAnne Harmer 4/12/18 MaryAnne Harmer 4/12/18

How Millennials are Changing the Way Business Works

They are our neighbors, our children, our friends, they are us!

And their influence is growing.

According to just published Pew Research Report on April 11th 2018, Millennials now hold title to the...

MaryAnne Harmer 4/2/18 MaryAnne Harmer 4/2/18

Is Your Concept of Strategic Planning Dated?

Truth be told, I have been a classic strategic planner for over 20 years.

I’ve held senior level executive positions in numerous corporate settings with responsibility for facilitating and writing “Strategic Plans"in collaboration with leadership teams and Boards. I’ve helped numerous small businesses and nonprofits with their strategic planning processes. And people have been happy with my work.

I guess I’m good at it.

Tom Hering 3/30/18 Tom Hering 3/30/18

How a Homeless Army Vet Taught Me the Ultimate Content Lesson on Easter

Coming up with a great story idea or content for a blog post ain't easy.

So when I'm desperate for inspiration, which is more times than not, I go to my usual sources. Doing Google searches on a particular topic, reading quotes from the content sages and visiting my favorite IPA emporium all have helped me become a bit more inspired.

But this past Easter, I was reminded of how such angst about content is so unnecessary thanks to a US Army Ranger veteran I met underneath the west end of the Hawthorne Bridge in Portland, OR.

Stories for the Benefit Corporations Community.