Why form or convert to a sustainable and socially conscious business entity?

Many consumers are now making purchasing decisions based on the sustainability and social consciousness of a business. In fact, according to Nielson’s 2015 report, The Sustainability Imperative, this trend rises annually: “In 2015 Sixty-six percent of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainable brands—up from 55% in 2014 and 50% in 2013.” It is clear that these consumers look for and expect to see this principle in practice and any perceived contradiction will remove your business’ products and services from consideration. To this end, LEPISCOPO & ASSOCIATES will advise and guide your business formation to harmonize your products and services, in order to create and maintain a sustainable and socially conscious business entity known as a benefit corporation.

Formation of Benefit Corporation

If you are in pre-formation stage of your business, LEPISCOPO & ASSOCIATES will advise and prepare the required legal documents to form your business entity as a benefit corporation.

Conversion to Benefit Corporation

If you have already formed your business entity, LEPISCOPO & ASSOCIATES will advise and prepare the required legal documents to convert your business to a benefit corporation.

Credibility through B Corp Certification ^TM

Once your organization has been formed as or converted to a benefit corporation, LEPISCOPO & ASSOCIATES will advise and prepare the application for B Corp Certification ^TM through B Lab, a non-profit organization dedicated to “using the power of business to solve social and environmental problems” through application of “the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability…”

Another aspect of forming your business as a benefit corporation, as well as obtaining certification through B Lab, was discussed in Fortune Magazine (December 2015): “Great employees want to work for companies that stand for more than just profit, so it will give you a leg up in the talent wars. And it’s likely to win you more of the kind of customers you want to keep too.”