Edinburgh B Corp 500 – B the Change!
500 B Corps in Edinburgh by 2030 – Will You B One?
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Everyone’s Edinburgh, is thrilled to launch the Edinburgh B Corp 500 project.
Our goal is ambitious yet attainable: to assist 500 local businesses in their journey towards achieving B Corp certification by 2030. With a focus on purpose-driven practices, we aim to pave the way for future generations, offering meaningful employment opportunities while enhancing business impact within the Edinburgh community. We want every organisation in the city to get involved and B the change.
What is a B Corp?
A B Corp, also known as a Benefit Corporation, is a business independently verified by B Lab. It is a sign of recognition that your business is committed to social and environmental responsibility.
By meeting B Lab’s rigorous standards, B Corp businesses attract like-minded customers, access to funding, and stand out in the market. Ultimately, being a B Corp allows companies to make a positive impact while maintaining transparency and accountability. Watch B Lab’s video to learn more about the benefits of being a B Corp certified business.
What are the benefits of becoming a B Corp in Edinburgh?
With over 1,900 B Corps in the UK and 8,500 worldwide, B Corps are at the forefront of a global movement to use business as a force for good. Scottish B Corps make up over 5% of the UK B Corp community, with 45 of those based in Edinburgh.
You’ll gain access to a network of like-minded businesses and contribute to driving change in Edinburgh. The process itself provides valuable insights and benchmarking to help you continuously improve. Some of the advantages of becoming a B Corp is:
- Social and Environmental Impact: As a B Corp, your business can prioritise social and environmental goals alongside profitability, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and responsible business conduct.
- Credibility and Trust: B Corp certification signifies your company’s dedication to meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. This can enhance your reputation and build trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
- Access to Support and Resources: Through initiatives like the Edinburgh B Corp project, businesses can receive guidance, training, and networking opportunities to navigate the certification process and integrate sustainable practices into their operations.
- Competitive Advantage: B Corp certification can differentiate your company in the marketplace, attracting socially conscious consumers, investors, and employees who prioritise working with or for companies that align with their values.
Get Involved – B the First!
Here’s how you can B one of the 500:
- Attend our launch event on 25th June. Hear inspiring stories from local B Corps and learn more about the process.
- Apply to join the first cohort of local businesses embarking on the B Corp journey.
- Participate in 2 workshops diving into the 5 stakeholder impact areas assessed for B Corp certification in Autumn 2024.
- Get one-on-one support from an expert B Leader to achieve the 80+ B Impact Assessment score needed to certify.
Don’t miss this chance to position your business at the forefront of the purpose-driven economy in Edinburgh.
B one of the first. B the change!
Our fully funded training and support cohort programme will help you achieve B Corp certification. Through workshops and individual tailored support from a qualified B Leader, you’ll navigate the B Impact Assessment tool and work towards achieving certification. We’re looking for 8-10 dedicated business ready to invest time and resources into this transformative journey.
This support is available for SME’s (with under 250 employees) and based in Edinburgh. Any companies interest in joining the cohort will need to complete an application form as all applications will be vetted by the team. Deadline for applications is 28th June.
The two half day workshops (9:30am – 12:30pm) will take place in October and November. If you have any questions please get in touch with the projects team.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
