IncNow is Delaware’s first B Corporation

After a rigorous seven-month review process, IncNow, the Wilmington-based incorporation company, became Delaware’s first Certified B Corporation (B Corp) in May.

The first B Corps were certified by the nonprofit B Lab in 2007. B corps are defined by B Lab as a company “which is purpose-driven and creates benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.”

“Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and nonprofits alone,” reads a statement on the B Lab website. “The B Corp community works toward reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high quality jobs with dignity and purpose. By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and growth as a means to a greater end: positive impact for their employees, communities, and the environment.”

IncNow scored an 85 out of 200 on B Lab’s B Impact Assessment, compared to a median score of 50.9 for non-B Corps. It scored highest in the categories of governance, workers and community, thanks in part to its frequent support for local causes .

“We’re excited to celebrate becoming Delaware’s first Certified B Corp,” said IncNow President John Williams. “Reaching this goal started by accident, just doing the right thing for everyone we work with. Achieving B Corp Certification puts us among companies like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s that are committed to providing a healthy environment for our workers and community.”

Williams is an active member of the Delaware rowing community: The company has offered athletes and volunteer coaches on the University of Delaware crew team job opportunities that have made it possible for them to be involved with the sport while making a living. One of IncNow’s team members, Will Purman, is a member of Puerto Rico’s national rowing team and will compete as a single scull rower at the Pan American Games this August in Lima, Peru.

As part of the company’s celebration about being certified as a B Corp, IncNow will hold a sendoff event for Purman at the Walnut Street YMCA on July 17 at 9 a.m., when 150 day campers will get to meet the champion rower (who is also currently training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics) and “compete” against him on rowing machines donated to the YMCA by IncNow.