Sezzle is the latest company serving the active lifestyle industry to have received the certification required to achieve B Corp status, joining innovative leaders worldwide to advance important environmental, social, and economic causes.
The company said the milestone achievement strengthens Sezzle’s position as the leading mission-driven payments platform in North America, with a growing presence in Asia and Europe.
Sezzle’s mission is to “financially empower the next generation” and to go beyond finance by supporting empowerment across many facets of users’ lives, creating a better world for the next generation through ethical initiatives,” according to a recent release.
Sezzle and its community of B Corp brands prove that all industries, even payments, can do their part to provide solutions and make a positive impact today and into the future.
B Corps are businesses that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability -companies dedicated to using business for good. Sezzle said it is proud to join a community of purpose-driven brands that includes such notables as Patagonia, Allbirds and Athleta. Sezzle “extends purpose beyond profitability and aligns itself with like-minded companies,” said the brand.
The company said the recent approval of filing requirements by BLab cements Sezzle’s ethos of “payments with purpose” into its governance structure.
“Becoming a certified B Corp empowers our entire team, but it is only the beginning. This designation ensures that we hold Sezzle to the highest of standards,” said Sezzle CEO Charlie Youakim. “Sezzle’s key differentiator among the competition is our purpose-driven approach to business. With this designation, we will strengthen this advancement through the collective power of the B Corp community.”
Sezzle’s leadership team and stakeholders believe that the company’s core commitment to financial education, credit building and helping all ages to manage personal finances without incurring high-interest finance charges benefits the community socially and ethically. In addition to social good and financial wellness, Sezzle pursues green initiatives to support sustainability and environmental movements.
“We’re excited to have such an innovative company like Sezzle join our B Corp Community,” said Lindsey Wilson, B Lab’s Business Development Manager. “This designation formally recognizes the efforts Sezzle has been doing across the company encouraging sustainable, ethical and social values among its employees and the community.”
Sezzle proposed a full slate of 2021 B Corp initiatives on a local and global scale, seen in the following five commitments:
- Planting a tree for every new, active user in partnership with Trees for the Future;
- Commitment to be carbon neutral with certification from Climate Neutral, reducing its carbon footprint;
- Giving a full annual scholarship to the University of Minnesota for a disadvantaged student and launching a national scholarship.
- Providing free financial literacy and needed tools via Sezzle U.
- Creating a non-profit fund to support causes as they arise in line with its social mission.
These initiatives coincide with its value-based marketing strategy and dedication to its partners with purpose program-collaborating with brands, partners and retailers aligned in pursuing social good.
Photo courtesy Sezzle
