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ESG Messaging Guide for B Corps: Building an Offense in Support of Purpose-Driven Business

There is a polarizing narrative at play in our society right now, funded by powerful interests invested in maintaining the status quo. The “woke capitalism” backlash – a term co-opted by the political right in the United States to criticize socially conscious business – claims that companies who consider their impact on communities, workers, and the environment are bad for society and the economy. As a B Corp movement using business as a force for good, we know this to be false. Measuring, managing, and disclosing environmental and social impact is integral to how B Corps operate; it’s also just good business.

The anti-ESG narrative often prevents leaders from speaking out to support more just and equitable policies. As anti-ESG sentiments echo in the media and U.S. legislatures leading up to the 2024 elections, we expect this cultural conversation will only become louder and more divisive. How can the B Corp community be courageous in this moment? We’ve created this messaging guide to empower your B Corp to navigate tricky conversations around ESG and proactively share the real-world benefits of purpose-driven business.

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