System B reaches Mexico to promote a new generation of companies
B Enterprises use businesses as a force for good, generating not only economic profits but also sustainable positive social and environmental impacts
A new way of conceiving businesses is a global imperative, a trend that is increasingly relevant and where B Enterprises and in general, of a triple impact, start to gain ground. The arrival of System B in Mexico expects to boost the activity of these types of entrepreneurial organizations that already exist in more than 50 countries.
Being a B Enterprise is sharing a philosophy that seeks to redefine the meaning of success in the way businesses are conducted, where the company commits to act responsibly toward all the interest groups with which it interacts and, in a binding manner, improve their social and environmental management standards.
For Ana Mercedes Botero, Director of Social Innovation at CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, "The B Enterprise model contributes, on the one hand, to promote the social innovation ecosystem in Mexico, and on the other, to promote a change of paradigm toward a more inclusive and humane society, advancing in a series of practices toward the sustainability of the company, which includes its governance, environmental management, and impact business model, as well as the incorporation of the interests of its employees and the community".
With respect to the attributes of B Enterprises, Natalia Wills, Executive Director of System B Mexico, highlights that this type of organizations are more resilient, generate quality employment, and improve the life conditions of the community. She added, " As may be observed, it is a new way to conduct business which, in addition, provides great benefits for the company and its collaborators. They have 63 percent more probabilities of surviving during a crisis than the average small company, they are 45 percent more likely to offer bonuses, even for those who are not part of the executive team, and 47 percent more prone to use renewable energy in their offices".
Throughout the world there are more than 1,850 B Enterprises, located in 50 countries, from 130 different industries. However, the growth potential of this type of organizations is exponential and it is estimated that toward 2020 there will be more than 10,000 B Enterprises at a global level. In Latin America, there are already 250 B Enterprises of which 6 are Mexican, which jointly make more than USD 3,7 billion and generate more than 16,000 jobs. In the region, it is estimated that toward 2020 there will be 2,000 B Enterprises.
At the same time, System B promotes public policies, research, and knowledge through the B Academy, as well as value chain programs for suppliers and corporate clients from large companies, including measuring tools and benchmarking. In addition, public initiatives are promoted to increase awareness and promote commercial alliances between B Enterprises at a global level.
The arrival of System B in Mexico is the result of a strategic alliance between CAF and CO-Plataforma de Invención Generativa A.C. CAF is a strategic partner of System B throughout the region, to promote a company model in Latin America as a sustainable development agent that contributes to build more humane and sustainable societies, in line with the Institution's mission. CO is a civil society organization dedicated to promote the innovation and social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Mexico.
In addition, System B is supported by a Promotion Group of leading institutions in the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mexico, headed by CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, Co-Plataforma, Fondo Multilateral de Inversiones FOMIN (Multilateral Investment Fund), Promotora Social México (Mexico Social Promoter), Ashoka Emprendedores Sociales (Social Entrepreneurs), the Instituto Nacional del Emprendedor (National Institute of Entrepreneurs), the Asociación de Emprendedores de México - ASEM (Association of Entrepreneurs of Mexico), New Ventures Group, the Impact HUB, IluMéxico, SVX MX, Transfo y Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs-ANDE, with Natalia Wills Gill as its Executive Director.