Earlier this spring, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) launched the Best for NYC campaign, “designed to inspire and equip New York City businesses to measure and improve practices that help create well-paying jobs and improve the quality of life in all five boroughs, while also strengthening their bottom-line.”
Earlier this week, General Assembly was recognized as “Best for NYC” along with businesses from multiple sectors across the five boroughs. We scored in the top 10 in the Community category for metrics including “charitable giving, diversity and inclusion, worker ownership, and social impact through products and services.”
It was amazing to celebrate a cross section of businesses of all kinds from all five boroughs in one room — from landscaping companies in the Bronx to family-owned restaurants in Brooklyn and fellow startups like Etsy, Kickstarter, and Warby Parker. Hearing how other companies are promoting economic and social value throughout New York City was truly inspiring.
New York is the first city to do a “Best for” challenge — part of a global effort by the nonprofit B Lab to help businesses benchmark their practices and impact on workers, the environment, and local communities. The data is designed to help companies see where they’re already excelling, and also help them develop a roadmap to get even better.
Congrats to the EDC and BLab teams for their leadership in this campaign, and to all who took part in the challenge!