Sustainability & Community

Being an ethical company focused on sustainability and community contribution not only signifies responsibility and morality but also translates into tangible business benefits, including enhanced reputation, customer loyalty, reduced costs, and increased profitability. Emphasizing sustainability can create a competitive advantage in the modern market, where consumers and investors increasingly prioritize ethical behavior.

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• According to a report by the World Economic Forum, companies that prioritize ethical practices and sustainable business models are more resilient against economic downturns. Businesses perceived as ethical are likely to outperform their competitors in the long run.

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• Ethical companies often engage in community development initiatives. Reporting by Cone Communications found that 63% of Americans want businesses to take a stand on social and political issues they care about.

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• The 2021 Global Corporate Sustainability Report indicated that 78% of people believe it’s important for companies to be socially responsible, and those that engage in community support often see improved trust and public perception.

Attract Top Talent

 In today’s competitive job market, professionals are not just seeking positions with attractive salaries and benefits; they're prioritizing companies with strong ethical values and sustainable practices.​​ Set your business apart with ethical certification through Small Business Certified. This certification serves as a beacon to job seekers who are looking for employers that align with their values and commitment to ethical operations.

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• According to a study by LinkedIn, 64% of Millennials will not take a job if they don’t believe in the company’s mission. Organizations with strong ethical practices attract top talent and retain employees longer.

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• Research from the Harvard Business Review indicates that companies with strong ethical cultures experience higher employee satisfaction and engagement. A study showed that 70% of employees said they would work harder for a company with a good reputation.​​​

Consumer Trust

Trust is a critical component in the modern market. Customers are more likely to engage with businesses that hold themselves to high ethical standards, as reflected by a reputable certification.

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• A study by Nielsen found that 66% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable brands. This trend is even stronger among Millennials and Gen Z, with 73% of these consumers willing to spend more on sustainable offerings.

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• According to a survey by Cone Communications, 87% of consumers will purchase a product because a company advocated for an issue they care about. Additionally, 76% of consumers will refuse to buy from a company if they learn it supports an issue contrary to their beliefs.

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• A survey by Edelman revealed that 81% of consumers need to trust a brand to buy from them. Ethical companies tend to build stronger trust with their customers, which can lead to increased loyalty and market share.

Investor Confidence

 Many investors are now looking at the ethical profile of businesses before making decisions. Your certification can drive investor confidence by demonstrating your dedication to ethical practices and corporate social responsibility. Improve your chances of landing investments & funding with a Small Business Certified certification (investors are looking for companies that prove to be ethically & socially-conscious).

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• A report from Morgan Stanley found that 75% of individual investors are interested in sustainable investing. Companies that are recognized for their ethical standards often attract socially responsible investors.

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• A report by the Ethics & Compliance Initiative highlighted that organizations with strong ethical cultures report 25% fewer instances of misconduct, reducing legal and regulatory risks which can be costly.

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• A meta-analysis published in "The American Economic Review" suggests that firms with strong ethical practices and corporate social responsibility initiatives tend to have better financial performance, particularly in the long term. Ethical companies often see a positive correlation between CSR practices and stock performance.