As the world becomes more socially and environmentally conscious, corporations of all sizes are changing their behavior and operations to reflect these values. Certified B Corporations are for-profits companies dedicated to making a positive social and environmental impact in the world.

What exactly is a Certified B Corp?

A Certified B Corp is a for-profit business that has been certified by the nonprofit B Lab.

B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors across governance, worker practices and policies, community engagement and environmental impact.

Why Should You Certify Your Company as a B Corp?

There are many reasons why it's beneficial to certify your company as a B Corporation:

1) Show commitment to doing good - By being certified as a B Corporation, you are sending a message to employees, customers, business partners, and investors that your company values more than just profits and that you're committed to using business as a force for good. B Corp certification serves as a way for companies to publicly demonstrate their commitment to stakeholder capitalism and to provide a benchmark for their social and environmental performance. It provides a way for consumers, investors, and other stakeholders to identify companies that are not just focused on financial performance, but are also committed to creating positive social and environmental outcomes.

2) Attract and retain talent – Employees of certified companies often feel more motivated and have higher job satisfaction since they know that the company’s mission aligns with their own values.

3) Attract customers and build brand loyalty – Consumers tend to buy from brands whose values best align with theirs. By having this stamp of approval on your website and other materials, you'll be seen as differentiated from your peers, leading to increased brand awareness and loyal customers.

4) Attract investors – Given the rigorous process to certify and the transparency necessary during the process, the B Corp certification can serve as a preliminary due diligence screen for investors, especially impact investors.

5) Join a global network of leaders – When you become a B Corp you join a global network of Certified B Corporations and other like-minded leaders, providing countless opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Bottom Line

Achieving B Corp certification is by no means an easy task. Becoming a Certified B Corp requires considerable effort from the company to complete the B Impact Assessment and review process successfully. However, becoming a Certified B Corp shows that you consider all stakeholders when making business decisions, not just investors, and has numerous benefits.

Certification Isn't something every company will be able to or want to do, but if social and environmental impact is important to your bottom line, then certifying might be worth considering.

You can find additional information, including timelines and costs in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Interested in learning more about B Corps and how IGP can deepen your social and environmental impact? Fill out the form below for a free consultation.