JWT’s annual list of 100 Things to Watch places social enterprises on the radar. Benefit corporations swooped into the number 10 spot.
By the end of 2011, a total of seven states in the U.S. passed the benefit corporation legislation, allowing businesses to legally embed sustainability principles into their DNA. Alternatively, businesses can seek a third-party, no legal standing certification such as the one offered by B Lab called B Corporation. To date, about 500 businesses from North America and Europe have been certified as a B Corporation.
Benefit corporations have been gaining momentum in government legislation. With several more states in America having already introduced or partially passed the benefit corporation legislation, JWT indicates benefit corporations are something to watch this year.