Vermont B Corps
Leading the Way to the Triple Bottom LineVermont businesses take social responsibility seriously.
Businesses whose mission and impact are central to their business model are in good company here.
In 2010, Vermont became the second state in the country to enact Benefit Corporation legislation, allowing new companies to form, and existing companies to organize as benefit corporations. The legal framework of a benefit corporation gives businesses and investors the flexibility to consider mission and public benefit, in addition to profit, for all stakeholders, including shareholders, over the long term, even through exit transactions such as IPOs and acquisitions.
B-Corp Certification is an additional tool for businesses to manage their operations and programs according to the highest social and environmental standards. Certification is managed by the nonprofit organization B Lab, which sets rigorous standards for social
and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. (Benefit corporations may, but are not required, to choose B-Corp Certification as well).
B-Corps in Vermont range from well-known food producers like Cabot Creamery Co-op and Ben & Jerry’s to publicly owned utilities like Green Mountain Power, financial institutions such as Mascoma Bank and Clean Yield Asset Management, retail brands like Seventh Generation and King Arthur Flour and advanced manufacturing firms such as Chroma Technology Corp.
Many B Corporations utilize State programs administered by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development to start or scale their businesses in Vermont. These include the Vermont Employment Growth Incentive for support to add hires and expand, the Vermont Training Program for help with upskilling personnel, Brownfields Revitalization Fund to clean up and reuse contaminated sites, and the State Trade Expansion Program to achieve international sales. Many also work with the Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center to win government contracts.
Further Reading
- For Cabot Creamery, achieving B-Corp certification for its sustainability initiatives delivered operational value as well as a strengthened brand promise.
- At Rhino Foods, an innovative loan program has increased worker retention by helping employees through the challenges of financial instability.
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR)
Vermont Business for Social Responsibility (VBSR), a statewide, nonprofit business association with a mission to foster a business ethic in Vermont, partners with B Lab to offer programs in Vermont such as Measure What Matters, a series of intensive workshops to help members better support their communities, reduce the environmental impact of their operations, and create the best workplace for their employees.
Becoming a Benefit Corporation in Vermont
The Vermont Secretary of State’s office provides guidance for businesses considering becoming a benefit corporation.
B-Corps Certification
B Lab provides in-depth information on the certification process and maintains a searchable database of certified B-Corps by location.
Work for Good
The B Work job site lists open positions at Certified B-Corps in Vermont.
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