Membership Program

It is clearer every day that the challenges we face will not be solved by solitary heroes. Systemic change that actually meets the moment - that powers the transition to an inclusive and regenerative economy - can only be achieved by embracing our interdependence and committing to collective action. But it’s hard enough to run a successful business… Are B Corp leaders also supposed to lay the foundations of effective community themselves?

That’s why we’re here! B Local PDX supports B Corps in deepening connections and fostering collaboration among those that use business as a force for good. When B Corps join forces, they create an ecosystem of trust and accountability that extends to governments, nonprofits, and other stakeholders. Together, we form a robust and reliable network that is tailor-made for driving systemic change.

B Local PDX Membership is the way for your company to support this movement in your own backyard, affirming your B Corp identity and increasing internal engagement. When we launched our Membership pilot in late 2021, the value proposition was based on participation in the form of tickets to monthly learning events, our annual BLD conference, and the celebration we call B Bash. Of the 150+ B Corps in Oregon and Southwest Washington, one third have invested in B Local PDX by joining as Stakeholder, Accelerator, or Catalyst Members.

In that time, we’ve also witnessed massive changes in how we gather and work, so for 2024, we’ve redesigned our Membership program to make sure member benefits are not dependent upon your team’s busy schedule. As we seek to bolster all B Corps’ connectivity, brand marketing, and impact, our updated Member benefits will offer value not just through participation, but through amplification. We’re expanding our storytelling and integrated sponsorship offerings so that the broader PNW business community sees your amazing work and has a clearer invitation to join the movement.

In short, our Members make it possible for B Local PDX to be a convener, connector, and resource.

If you'd like to learn more, claim your basic benefits, or upgrade your membership, please email wes@blocalpdx.com or book a call with Administrative Director Wes Griffin.

B Local PDX CEO Cohort Program

Why?

Running a company is a unique but often isolating experience, with challenges and rewards that can be hard to share fully with friends, employees, or even life partners. Having a group of people who understand what you are going through and a safe space to share struggles and wins can be liberating and transformative.

What?

The CEO Cohort Program brings together local B Corp leaders and creates an atmosphere of trust and support that allows them to be vulnerable, leaning on and learning from one another while growing together. Because each CEO leads a Certified B Corp, there is significant alignment on values and the shared foundation of using business as a force for the change and good we want to see in the world.

How?

Each Cohort has 6-8 people who gather for monthly, 4-hour, in-person meetings. While most CEOs have packed schedules and this time commitment can seem daunting, attendance is very important to developing group cohesion and trust. Participants have found that what they get from the 4 hours is so valuable they are willing to prioritize the time each month.

We aim to create groups that are diverse across business type, size, gender, and ethnicity so that broad lived experiences and viewpoints are represented in every cohort. Currently, there are 4 cohorts, and we have plans to launch at least 1 new Cohort in 2024. In addition to deep and meaningful relationships within cohorts, we occasionally bring all cohorts together for shared learning and connection.

The Cost

To join in a cohort, your company must be a Stakeholder, Accelerator, or Catalyst Member of B Local PDX. Cohort participation is an additional $1,000 per year. This allows B Local PDX to support each individual cohort and invest in the program’s facilitation and success. Comparable cohort offerings for CEOs often cost many thousands of dollars; our intention is to keep B Local cohorts accessible to all, and we offer scholarships for leaders from historically marginalized communities.

Each cohort also plans and enjoys its own annual retreat. The cost of the retreat is separate from the program fee and can vary depending on the group’s preferred lodging, activities, etc. Most retreats have cost $300-$600 per person.

Scholarship

B Local PDX’s CEO Scholarship is awarded to up to two B Corp CEOs from historically marginalized groups each year. The scholarship covers a Stakeholder Membership and CEO Cohort participation for two full years. In the 3rd year, recipients will be expected to pay 50% of the current membership and CEO cohort fees. Beginning in Year 4, the scholarship concludes, and recipients must pay the regular cost to continue participation. If you would like to apply for a CEO Scholarship for 2024, please complete this form here.

The Founders

The B Local PDX CEO Cohort Program was the brainchild of former Board Chairs, David Kahl and Cameron Madill. Having participated in other CEO Cohorts from YEO and EO, they knew the deep value of close-knit relationships among business owners and executives. They wanted to bring this type of group and support to the B Local PDX Community, connecting like-minded business leaders who shared the foundation of using business as a force for good. David and Cameron remain invaluable to the program. One of them will help to launch new cohorts by training, leading and moderating the first 2 meetings. They then provide ongoing quarterly support for the moderators.

Please reach out to our CEO Cohort Board Chair, Minna Yoo at minna@lovebottle.com if you are interested or want to learn more.

Catalyst Members

Accelerator Members

Stakeholder Members

Associate Members

Carrie Ritchie, Good & Gold Marketing

Sherri Noxel, Enterprising Generations

Charles Ramsay, Ramsay Real Estate

Kel Moody, Alluvium Gatherings

Robin Wang, Vibrant Future

Jamie Bianchini, Purpose in Expenses (PIE)

Ann Tassinari, Titan Freight Systems

Joanna Laird, Connecting the Dots

Stephen Jensen, EcoNetworks

Renee Loveland, RE Tech Advisors