October 13, 2025
At B Local, our focus is amplification, collaboration, and supporting fellow B Corps with a mandate to do good as we do well.
Hyphen is the next in our Spotlight series with a goal to promote B Local member businesses, as well as bolster greater community through shared learning and experiences.
Talk to us about your WHY. Why a purpose driven business and why the pursuit of B Corp?:
When we started Hyphen back in 2016, we made ourselves a promise: if we were going to build a business, it had to be one we’d be proud of 10 years down the line. That’s why B Corp was on our radar from day one. We literally built it into our long-term goals.
Other B Corps inspired us early on by showing what’s possible when you align purpose with profit. For us, becoming certified was about proving that the way we intend to run our business actually translates into real impact for our team, our clients, our community, and the planet.
When we finally certified in 2024, it felt like a huge accomplishment and milestone! But, more importantly, it felt like the start of the next chapter. One where accountability, transparency, and ongoing improvement are part of how we operate every single day.
As a local Ontario business, how do you engage with and support your local community? Can you share any recent initiatives or partnerships that highlight your community involvement?
Community work has always been a part of Hyphen’s DNA. We commit up to 0.5% of our annual sales to pro-bono projects, and our team collectively chooses which causes we support each year. Some recent ones include providing brand and marketing direction for the B1 Network, and supporting Environmental Defence Canada’s #PlasticFreeJuly campaigns.
On top of that, each team member gets 3 paid volunteer days a year. Whether it’s a local food bank, an environmental initiative, or an organization close to their heart, we encourage everyone to roll up their sleeves and give back where it matters most.
As valuable as monetary donations are, showing up, together, to contribute back to our communities is vital.
Don't Mess with the Don
Can you share a specific example of how your company values have shaped your business practices or decision-making process?
We see B Corp certification as the beginning of a lifelong marathon.
As soon as we were certified, we built a three-year improvement plan, knowing we’d be held to new standards when it came time to recertify. That plan is now shaping everything from how we govern, to how we market, to how we support our team.
For example, we’re currently formalizing our responsible marketing policy, which ensures that what we do for clients always aligns with their values and ours. We’ve enhanced employee benefits, and we’re working toward clear sustainability goals and stronger governance systems.
We’re also gearing up for our first sustainability impact report! Because if we’re serious about accountability, then we need to be transparent with the world, not just with ourselves.
