Demystifying The B Corp Movement: Advancing Environmental & Social Impact In Wisconsin
By: Leah Steinberg and Lisa Geason-Bauer - Evolution Marketing
Are you part of a Wisconsin business looking to enhance its environmental and social impact? For nearly two decades, Evolution Marketing has been at the forefront of pioneering sustainable business practices. As the seventh Certified B Corp in Wisconsin and the only B Corp consulting firm in the state, we have a proven track record of supporting a variety of businesses on their sustainability journey, guiding companies to embrace responsibilities that transcend the bottom line.
At Evolution Marketing, our approach goes beyond traditional consulting; we innovate and lead by example. Since 2017, we have meticulously tracked and shared our progress through annual Impact Reports. These documents reflect our carbon footprint, community involvement, and commitment to social responsibility, demonstrating that even small businesses have the power to effect significant change.
In today's world, understanding and documenting your sustainability journey is crucial, as consumers increasingly seek to support businesses that align with their values. A compelling way to showcase this commitment is through the B Corp certification. This certification is more than a label; it's a commitment to rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The certification process evaluates a company’s impact on its workers, customers, community, and the environment, making B Corp status a prestigious acknowledgment of a company's dedication to positive change.
Q: What is a Certified B Corporation (aka B Corp)?
A: Certified B Corporations are mission-driven companies that balance purpose and profit. B Corps are for-profit companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. B Corps use the power of business to do more than seek profit. They use their profits and growth to positively impact their stakeholders — and the planet.
Q: How does a business become a B Corp?
A: To become a Certified B Corporation, a business must complete the B Impact Assessment. This detailed survey evaluates all aspects of your business operations across five key impact areas: customers, environment, community, workers, and governance. The assessment measures your company’s overall performance in these areas, ensuring that you not only commit to higher standards of practice but also provide verifiable evidence of your sustainable and ethical operations. To successfully certify, your business must demonstrate, in a transparent manner, the specific actions it has taken to enhance its impact in these areas.
In Wisconsin, Evolution Marketing plays a central role in the B Corp community through our active engagement with B Local Wisconsin. This organization is crucial in uniting all B Corps across the state, advancing the B Corp movement by fostering a network of companies dedicated to making positive impacts. B Local Wisconsin is currently led by Evolution Marketing President Lisa Geason-Bauer.
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a B Corp?
A: Becoming a Certified B Corporation offers a competitive advantage by enhancing a company's sustainability practices and market presence. This certification boosts credibility and makes a company more attractive to consumers, investors, and partners who prioritize transparency and responsible business practices. Additionally, it connects businesses with a global network of like-minded companies committed to balancing people, planet, and profit, facilitating shared initiatives and collaborations that drive meaningful impact.
Q: What is B Local Wisconsin?
A: B Local Wisconsin is a nonprofit project of the Center for Community Stewardship, and we are led by a passionate team of volunteers from Certified B Corps headquartered in Wisconsin, remote employees of B Corps who reside in Wisconsin and individuals with a passion for using business as a force for good!
Q: How many B Corps are headquartered in WI?
A: As of May 2024, we have 24 Certified B Corps that are headquartered in Wisconsin, and remote workers representing about a dozen more B Corps headquartered throughout the US.
Q: Where can I go to learn more about B Local WI?
Q: What is the B Corp Champions Retreat?
A: The Champions retreat is a multi-day gathering of B Corp folks from across the US and Canada, who gather every two years to share insights, collaborate on new initiatives, and celebrate the progress of those driving business as a force for good.
We’re excited to announce that, for the first time, the B Corp Champions Retreat will be hosted in Milwaukee in 2026. Hosting the Champions Retreat in the Midwest for the first time presents a unique opportunity to showcase the impressive sustainability efforts of local companies and reinforces our region’s commitment to responsible business practices.
With the global focus on sustainability intensifying, now is an excellent time to join the movement toward greater corporate responsibility. Evolution Marketing is here to navigate your business through every step, from implementing new policies and protocols to achieving certified B Corporation status. Join us in transforming the way that business is done!
If you’re ready to elevate your business and start your sustainability journey, our team is here to help. Our team, led by Lisa Geason-Bauer, a Trained B Consultant, and Leah Steinberg, an Outsider Verifier, specializes in guiding businesses through the complex B Corp certification process. We provide tailored support at every step, whether you're recertifying, seeking guidance for the first time, or require comprehensive management of the entire process. With a deep understanding of B Corp standards and a commitment to sustainability, we’re here to help you succeed and make a positive impact. Visit greenconsultants.co to learn more!