Driving Social Impact: What It Means to Be a B Corp

As March heralds the celebration of B Corp Month, we at Exponent Partners are excited to share our journey as a B Corp-certified organization committed to driving positive change. While accolades such as the 2019 Best For The World honors in the categories of ‘Governance’ and ‘Workers’ serve as reminders of our progress, they also inspire us to continue our pursuit of meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.

In this blog, we invite you to dive deeper into the world of B Corps, exploring what exactly it means to be part of this unique community of businesses dedicated to social and environmental responsibility. From understanding the rigorous certification process to discovering the iconic brands leading the way, we’ll unravel the essence of B Corps and their role in shaping a more sustainable future.

What Exactly is a B Corp?

B Corps are businesses that go beyond the pursuit of profits, driven by a deep sense of responsibility towards society and the environment. Unlike conventional corporations focused solely on maximizing shareholder returns, B Corps operates under a different paradigm. They’re mandated to consider the wide-ranging impacts of their decisions, not just on shareholders, but on every stakeholder involved – from employees and local communities to the ecosystems we inhabit.

But don’t mistake the journey to becoming a B Corp as a simple task because it’s anything but easy. Achieving B Corp certification involves embarking on a rigorous assessment process. It involves a thorough examination of every aspect of a company’s operations – from its social impact and environmental practices to its governance structures and overarching values. This process isn’t merely about ticking boxes; it’s about showcasing a genuine commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainability in every facet of business.

And if B Corps seem unfamiliar, think again. Many brands that you know and love, such as Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, and Whole Foods, hold B Corp certifications and have been pioneers of purpose-driven business models long synonymous with conscious capitalism. When we say we’re part of the B Corp community, we’re proud to stand among esteemed peers – a collective of organizations dedicated to reshaping the business landscape by prioritizing people and the planet alongside profit.

Embracing the B Corp Philosophy

Established in 2005, Exponent Partners was founded upon a profound commitment to challenging societal norms and redefining organizational paradigms. Our mission has remained steadfastly twofold: to drive positive change through our work and to foster an organizational culture rooted in the values we hold dear. It is this ethos that guided us towards embracing the B Corp certification. We were first certified in 2011, and our current BCorp score of 103 is a testament to our dedication to societal and environmental responsibility, recognizing it as a guiding light for businesses dedicated to such values. To learn more about our impact score, check out the Exponent Partners profile on B Lab. 

Pioneering Change Through Innovation

Our journey as a B Corp aligns closely with our dedication to innovation and progress. As early adopters of the B Corp certification and proponents of the Benefit Corporation organizational form, we saw an opportunity to not only learn from like-minded peers but also to showcase our commitment to being agents of change within the nonprofit sector. These certifications serve as testaments to our unwavering dedication to driving social impact and embodying the values we hold dear.

Fostering a Culture of Empowerment

Central to our identity as a B Corp is our steadfast commitment to our employees’ well-being, professional growth, and economic equality. By prioritizing progressive policies, equitable compensation, and a flexible work environment, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where diversity thrives, and individuals are empowered to thrive. As an example, in addition to being a B Corp, we’re also an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, further cementing our dedication to fostering a culture where every team member has a stake in our collective success.

Looking Ahead

As we chart the course for the future, our commitment to learning, innovation, and social impact remains unwavering. We recognize that our journey as a B Corp is ongoing, and we are dedicated to continuously evolving and refining our practices to drive meaningful change in the nonprofit sector and beyond.

At Exponent Partners, we believe that being a B Corp isn’t just about accolades; it’s a testament to our enduring commitment to driving social impact and fostering a culture of empowerment. As we honor B Corp Month, we extend an invitation to join us in advocating for the principles of social responsibility and sustainability. Take the opportunity to educate yourself on the significance of B Corps and support organizations that are paving the way toward a brighter future.

To learn more about B Corps and discover how you can contribute, visit: https://www.bcorpmonth.com/