A little over a week ago we rang in the New Year, and 2014 is now upon us – that means a new legislative session is just around the corner.

In my time here at reSET, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many entrepreneurs from all over the state who have started, or are just beginning to launch their social enterprises. They are a scrappy, driven group of folks, on a mission to build successful, sustainable businesses that solve social or environmental problems. For those social entrepreneurs, the anticipation and hope for the 2014 legislative session is palpable – 2014 could be the year the legislature allows social entrepreneurs to incorporate with their own legal entity: the benefit corporation.

“What is a benefit corporation, and why do we need it” are the two most common questions I’ve received in my advocacy work in support of this legislation. The reason we need it is simple – under current corporate law, it is incredibly difficult and expensive for a social entrepreneur to set up a business structure that allows them to operate for both purpose and profit.

The benefit corporation legislation solves those problems, giving social entrepreneurs a separate, distinct legal structure, that gives them the flexibility to focus on more than just generating profit. It also protects the fledgling social enterprise community from businesses that talk the talk, but don’t actually walk the walk when it comes to creating a positive social impact. Click here to learn how.

We came extremely close to passing benefit corporation legislation last year, and in 2014, we’re determined to bring it all the way to the Governor’s desk. To kick off our advocacy efforts, we’re hosting an event, #WalktheWalk2014, to build awareness and to let lawmakers in Hartford know that the time has come to bring benefit corporations to Connecticut.

#WalktheWalk2014

WHO: reSET staff, board, and supporters of social enterprise

WHAT: #WalktheWalk2014, a walk to the Connecticut Legislative Office Building for an informational session on Benefit Corporations.

WHERE: Begins at reSET 99 Pratt St., Hartford, CT. Ends at Legislative Office Building 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT Hearing Room 2C.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 12:00 noon; Informational Forum to follow at 2:00pm.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The Informational Forum at the LOB will begin at 2:00pm and end by 3:30pm. Kate Emery (The Walker Group reSET, the Social Enterprise Trust), James Woulfe (reSET, the Social Enterprise Trust), and social entrepreneur Chris Brechlin (Blueprint for a Dream) will appear before the Commerce Committee to discuss the legislation.

For those interested in expressing their support but who cannot join us for the walk, free parking is available at the Legislative Office Building. In addition, anyone who parks at the 1 Talcott Plaza Garage should bring their ticket into reSET; we will validate your parking for a $5 rate.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me at JWoulfe@socialenterprisetrust.org. We can’t wait to walk the walk with you.