Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your B Corp Certification
Impact Growth Partners has successfully guided nearly 90 clients through the B Corp certification and recertification process over the last 6 years
As a B Corp consultant who is also a Certified B Corp, here are our top recommendations for our clients to get the most out of their B Corp certification:
Engage Your Team: We recommend you actively engage and educate your employees about the significance of your B Corp certification! This step is pivotal in cultivating a company-wide ethos of social and environmental responsibility, and plays a vital role in ensuring the success of your certification. Consider sending an email, scheduling a lunch and learn session focused on B Corp certification, or having a B Day event to celebrate your certification. Make sure that every member of your team fully understands and supports this endeavor and comprehends its implications.
Set clear improvement goals: Use the B Impact Assessment to identify and track improvement opportunities and goals. Regularly review and update these goals to drive continuous improvement. This will make your certification process easier when it’s time for you to recertify. To maintain certification, Certified B Corps must update their B Impact Assessment (BIA) and verify their updated B Impact score every three years, or after a Change of Control (of company ownership) or Initial Public Offering. See our Frequently Asked Questions for additional details on the certification process.
Communicate, communicate, and communicate!: Be transparent about your efforts, successes, and challenges. Share your B Corp journey with your stakeholders through various communication channels, such as your website, social media, and impact reports. Consider adding the B Corp logo to any packaging and marketing collateral.
Leverage the B Corp community: Take advantage of the global B Corp community for support, resources, and learning opportunities. Attend conferences, webinars, and events organized by B Lab or local B Corp communities.
Collaborate with other B Corps: Connect with other B Corps for knowledge sharing, networking, and potential collaboration. The B HIve is a great resource for finding other like-minded companies and connecting with them.
Advocate for B Corp values: Use your platform to advocate for policies and practices that align with B Corp values. Engage with policymakers, industry groups, and NGOs to drive positive change. WeTheChange for female CEOs and B Beauty are a couple of good examples of collective action for change.
Remember, B Corp certification is not just a badge; it's a commitment to conduct business in a way that meets high standards of social and environmental impact, and to use business as a force for good. By genuinely embracing the values it represents, you can create a positive impact for your stakeholders and the world.
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