B Corps and Beyond: What It Means to Be a Purpose-Driven Business

Has your company ever considered becoming a B Corp?

You might have seen that little circle B insignia on your favorite responsibly sourced clothing, healthy yogurt, or cleaning product that gives back.

That little B is kind of a big deal.

A Certified B Corporation (aka B Corp) is committed to balancing profit with purpose. They consider the impact of their decisions on workers, customers, communities, and the environment, not just shareholders.

B Corps are for-profit companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. They use the power of business to do more than seek profit. They use their profits and growth as a force for good.

A force for good. That’s exactly why KidGlov exists, as our own force for good and to amplify the good others are doing in the world. So we knew we needed to not only be a part of this B Corp movement, but use it to ensure we were practicing what we preach and to maintain our standards through growth and uncertainty.

That uncertainty became a key piece of the process for us as we underwent the rigorous certification process during the pandemic. After months and months of gathering metrics, improving policies and process, undergoing a strict audit and more, we were awarded the designation, and we proudly wear our “circle B” to this day.

Committing to good is a lot of work, and we’re here for it. When people ask us about the actual certification process, we smile at our accomplishments while also acknowledging, certifying to become a B Corp and then maintaining that certification is a whole lot of work.

Your business might not have the time or resources to go after that certification. Does that mean you’re not out for good?

Of course not, KidGlov has the pleasure of working with a vast variety of highly purpose-driven for-profits. Some that have certified as a B Corp and many that haven’t.

The underlying thread of all of the for-profit businesses we choose to work with is that we can see the good they are doing in the world. Even if they don’t have that “circle B” stamp quite yet.

So how do we vet businesses we work with to ensure they are out there doing good? How do we ensure we are living our mission when we take on a new for-profit client?

Here’s the list we look for, and a list you can use too to ensure your company is acting as a force for good:

1. Treatment of the team

There is simply no better measure of a company’s commitment to good than the treatment of their employees. From culture to pay to benefits to simply understanding and recognizing that employees are human and balancing a whole lot more than work. People-focused companies do a whole lot of good in the world. Happy, balanced employees make better members of the community

2. Products and services

Does the widget you sell do good for the world? Does it better the lives of people or our planet? How about service-driven businesses? Does the service you offer make happier, healthier people or communities? Then you too are a force for good. And KidGlov would be honored to help you share your very important message with the world.

3. Care for who comes next

Does your company keep a forceful eye on how they are leaving the world for the next generation? Whether through environmental practices, financial upkeep or how you’re training the next generation to be responsible, generous, community-minded humans, companies who stay laser focused on the future are gifting a better tomorrow. And we’d love to be a part of that too.

Purpose-driven can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, and you don’t have to be a B Corp to be doing a whole lot of good in this world. Keep this list in mind the next time someone inquires if you consider your company a changemaker. And keep us in mind if your company ticks the boxes on this list, and you need some very skilled help in sharing your very important message.

About KidGlov

KidGlov is a full-service advertising, branding, and content marketing agency and certified B Corp specializing in nonprofit marketing, healthcare marketing, financial services marketing, social impact marketing, and purpose-driven businesses.