Meeting Summary: "What organic is to produce, B Corp is to business." 

On Jan 26, Stephanie Ryan engaged a large group of us about B Corporations. She talked about her background and path to come to work with B-Lab, the organization which certifies B- Corporations. She told a story from her experience as consultant in a feast-or-famine cycle to becoming and a mother wanting her work to mean more, to make the world a better place. 

As her path unfolded, she witnessed the pain of the non-profit always needing money and the pain of for profit companies lacking mission-driven motivation and turned to focus her work on the philanthropic relationship. There she saw short-term return on investment confining the good work of mission-driven organizations. When Stephanie discovered B- Corporation she had a revelation. The certified B Corporation’s structure falls some where between the non-profit and the for profit business.  It was clear at the meeting that many present where feeling that way as well. 

After the Stephanie connected with the group, she presented her slides with passion and humor. She gave the attendees history of B Corporation and its impact to date. There was a B Corporation owner in the room, who shared her story about launching her consultancy. Sheri Hendricks started Alchemia Consulting this year on a quest to collaborate and operate with a deep sense of integrity.

There was high energy in the room. Some of the questions people asked were:

• What is the timeline to become certified?
• What is the role of a Board member like in a B Corp?
• How is this different from GRI reports?
• What is the investors circle?

Stephanie slits her work time between B-Lab and Whidbey Island Institute. She has a documentary titled BeComing: Women's Circles, Women's Lives.Contact Stephanie:

B Corporations are a new kind of company which uses the power of business to solve social