Infamous and booming DIY-craft marketplace site Etsy just announced its b-corporation certification last week. With the b-corp definition of 'using the power of business to solve social and societal problems,' Etsy is making it possible to buy and sell goods worldwide and encouraging a 'people-powered economy,' as described in this Atlantic article.
CEO Chad Dickerson describes obtaining the certification as in line with Etsy's 'mindful, transparent, and humane' values and their plan for long-term sustainability. Etsy sold $65 million worth of goods in April 2012 alone, and the company has about $40 million in the bank, with plans to open a couple new offices abroad soon.
While Etsy has received some snarky criticism over the years, they have closed a clear gap in the online space where a creative, handy individual can not only sell their items, but can be easily discoverable and part of a reputable, searchable network. It's creating mini-jobs all over the place, and fostering old-fashioned handiwork in a time when it can seem like every job relies on programming skills. A b-corp certificate is well-deserved and means greater visibility for b-lab and its objectives. Kudos!
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