This week’s blog post is on B Corporations (B Corp) which are leaders using business for good. They redefine success by being more inclusive and sustainable. This article includes an overview of what a B Corp is, its impact, and companies creating a global cultural shift. This is our fourth post for this month’s blog series on user accessibility and company compliance!

What is a B Corporation?

Certified B Corporations are businesses redefining the standards for social and environmental performance, legal accountability, and public transparency. The goal of B Corps is to have a positive impact on their employees, their community, and the environment overall. They do this by creating more high-quality jobs which will strengthen the community, create a healthier environment, reduce inequality, and lower levels of poverty. The idea for B Corporations was started in 2006. By 2007 there were 82 certified B Corps. Today there are 4,088 certified B Corporations in 77 countries.

How does being B-Corporation affect individuals with disabilities?

B Corps are a big deal for not only their global impact but also their pledge to be an inclusive employer. The Inclusive Economy Challenge started in 2018 and aimed to create more opportunities for people of all backgrounds and experiences. Certified B Corps this extra step by creating a workplace environment where employees can live with dignity, support themselves and their families, while also contributing to their community. This pledge highlights the need for greater accessibility in the workplace to ensure all employees have an equal opportunity. So far 554 companies have pledged to increase their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This challenge pushed leaders to understand and make more effort towards creating more equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environments.

What does the pledge to be a certified B Corp include?

The process to become a B Corp takes about 6-10 months on average. This includes an assessment of your business model and your company’s impact on your workers, community, environment, and customers. Companies are also required to have full accountability and transparency. They look at everything from your employee benefits to your charitable giving to ensure you are meeting the highest standards of performance.