What is a B Corporation?

B Corps are certified to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Any business can apply to become a B Corp, but only those who pass the rigorous assessments are granted B Corp status. Social and environmental performance must be regularly certified by the nonprofit called B Lab, much the way LEED buildings have to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Today, there is a growing community of more than 1,000 Certified B Corps from 33 countries and over 60 industries working together toward one unifying goal: to redefine success in business.

Dharma as a B Corp

Founded in 2007 by a father/daughter team, Dharma Merchant Services became a Certified B Corporation in 2009, after undergoing a rigorous certification. Being a B Corp means that Dharma is not only taking profit into account when we make business decisions, but we’re also considering any impact on both our employees and the environment. We are also proud to extend our nonprofit discount to all B Corp businesses.

In January 2012 Dharma became one of California’s first legal Benefit Corporations, a new corporation subtype intentioned to free directors from the sole (and legal) pursuit of bottom-line financial performance, and shift towards creating a company that takes into consideration the greater benefit of the public with some positive material impact on society or environment.