“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean."
- Ryunsuke Satoro

As we cast our eyes out on the horizon, we see a growing wave sparkling on the water. It's one small business after another commited to doing good in the world. These leaders look at the future and their businesses and know they are inextricably linked to creating a planet and community worth living on and in.

Three years ago this month, we celebrated a launch party for our book "Putting Soul Into Business" in a downtown Portland ad agency…

So, you’re thinking of starting your own business or side hustle. And, you want to ensure you do it right the first go- around. And, it comes as no surprise that you may be thinking about sustainable options to help you and your team succeed. After all, sustainability in the workplace has proven to be valuable part of the DNA of many forward-thinking companies.

When Larkspur Botanicals was in the pre-launch stage, its two conscientious leaders believed they would become a 501(c)3. After all, mission-driven businesses like Larkspur almost always choose non-profit as a business structure.

But along the way, co-owners Kasia Bilhartz and Kailia Wray got exposed to the Oregon Benefit Company and saw it might be a better fit.

Workplace wellness can mean a variety of different things depending on who you ask. For some, it means encouraging your employees to take breaks and get lunch. For others, it means monthly team hiking trips. It could even describe a health benefits plan.

Last Monday, we certified our 50th Benefit Corporation for Good. It’s a milestone we are proud of.

This marks 50 small businesses in many sectors all being measured by their practice of the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit. These include law firms, wine bars, manufacturing companies, financial planners, tattoo artists, plant shops, management consulting companies, natural food producers., promotional marketing companies, print shops, and many others across the spectrum of industries.

Benefit Companies, Benefit Corporations and B Corps believe and act differently than other businesses, focusing on the triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit.

Learn the difference between the structures and what it takes to get certified as a Benefit Company and why it helps in this presentation made in conjunction with Oregon Secretary of State's Office of Small Business Assistance. In this video, you'll learn:

Angela and David Anderson know a thing or two about grape juice for adults. You see, the two of them have been involved in the Oregon wine business enjoying noteworthy pinot noirs and other delectable wines from the region. They’ve also helped design engaging websites for some the state’s finest wineries. All while becoming one of the first Oregon Benefit Companies believing in and practicing the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit.

Many small businesses find the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to fight climate change overwhelming. After all, trying to meet these 17 worthy goals can seem challenging for the small business leader who fills so many different roles.

But when whittled down to five simple action steps that same small business leader can see how easy it is to join the fight to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Since Benefit Corporations were first legally passed in 2010, many companies from all different industries have become successful without sacrificing their commitment to doing good for the commons. These corporations are extremely diverse and can range from having one employee to thousands living across seas. Regardless of their differences, all Benefit Corporations share one thing in common; their purpose beyond maximizing revenue or share value.

Today, the environment is in desparate need of help from business. We suggest small business is not only the best way to create a low carbon footprint world, but it's the fastest way to building a sustainable planet. And it all starts with the benefit corporation and its Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit.

Listen to our 28-minute sustainability webinar given to the 2020 "Go Clean Energy" conference sponsored by Descuttes350.org.

You will learn:

• Why small business efforts make a difference in the bigger corporate world⁉️

• Why small businesses committed to equity and sustainability are profitable⁉️

In the last few years, there has been a massive push for companies of all sizes to engage in different sustainability efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. With climate change and natural disasters at an all-time high, it has never been more important for businesses to analyze their practices and truly understand how much waste they may be producing.

While some have been implementing these programs for years, other companies are just getting started! If you are looking for green practices that your small business can easily adopt, look no further.

Regardless of whether it is in relation to your employees, customers, partners or even engaging with the community, it is important that you are open and honest about your business’s purpose and performance. Business transparency is extremely important because it is the main way to instill trust with your employees and customers. By being honest about your operations, vision and your business practices you can boost sales, increase your customer retention and loyalty and reduce your employee turnover! In fact, 85% of people are more likely to stick by a business during a brand crisis if it has a history of being transparent and authentic.

If you’re in the custom liquid formulation business, you know your tasks are varied. Such is the case with Yellow Emperor of Eugene, Oregon. From custom vitamin formulation and liquid dietary supplement manufacturing to organic supplement private labeling and nutraceutical products manufacturing, their menu of services can accommodate a multitude of custom manufacturing needs.

But not all responsibilities fall under manufacturing. Last year, the business felt the time was right to show that their stakeholders that Yellow Emperor was in business as a force for good. So they decided to certify their beliefs and practices of serving People, Planet and Profit by becoming a Benefit Corporation for Good.

Perhaps you’ve made the decision to partner with a local organization to distribute leftover food to homeless shelters. Or maybe you want to incorporate sustainable packaging for your product. There is much you can do to help a cause. You might have even considered becoming a Benefit Corporation at some point.

But how do you know your organization is ready to take the plunge?