23 B Corporations

B Corporations have been expanding at a profound rate. There are currently more than 450 in a variety of industries including food, clothing and law.

"Certified B Corporations are a new type of corporation which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems," the organization writes on its website. "B Lab, a nonprofit organization, certifies B Corporations, the same way TransFair certifies Fair Trade coffee or USGBC certifies LEED buildings."

There are both pros and cons to accrediting your business through any certification process, but it's clear -- not only for popularity sake alone -- that B Corporations are valued in and of themselves.

If you missed it, check out the B Corporation's 2012 Annual Report, which explores the environmental and social impact of these companies.