There is no typical B Corp: companies of any size, most industries and a wide range of impact levels can achieve certification and benefit from the process.

If you follow me on LinkedIn you probably know a B Corp is a for profit company that meets high, verified standards of social and environmental impact. But you may not be sure if it applies to your company size, ownership, location, industry or current level of impact.

After working with over 80 companies through the certification process the past five years and becoming deeply involved in the B Corp community, I am still astounded by the value certification offers to such a wide range of companies.

The B corp community is committed to a common goal of using business as a force for good. But that takes many forms and B Lab, the non profit that administers B Corp certification, recognizes that businesses are at different stages of their impact journey and has done an amazing job to create pathways and communities no matter where you fall on the spectrum of size or level of impact.

Multinationals

Many multinationals are part of the B Corp community through small or mid size subsidiaries. For example, Unilever owns Sir Kensington, Seventh Generation, Ben & Jerrys and other B Corps and 70% of Danone’s global sales are now covered by B Corp™ certification. One way for a multinational to start their B Corp journey is by certifying a subsidiary.

Additionally, B Lab has established the path for multinationals through its B Movement Builders program. While these companies may not (yet) hit the threshold for B Corp certification, the B Impact Assessment provides them with a framework to identify ways to improve operations, be part of the movement of collective action, and to collaborate with peers facing similar challenges.

Impact Leaders

If you are already running your business with social and environmental impact in mind, B Corp certification can have a big impact internally and externally. Certification, and the B Corp community provides you with the ability to have even more impact, beyond your product and customers. The examples are numerous, but in short, having direct connection to so many leaders with the same ultimate goal of improving the planet drives change.

For example, the B Corp Climate Collective works “to identify concrete steps to accelerate climate mitigation, center climate justice, and work collectively, as individual companies, and through cross-sector collaboration and public advocacy.” B Lab has a policy team that brings business leaders together to advocate for local, state and federal policies. These are just a couple of examples of how joining the B Corp community enables businesses to drive collective action- see the “Take Action” links here. For B Corps in the United States and Canada, a variety of self-organized B Corp networks provide the opportunity to connect throughout the year with other purpose-driven business leaders based on job role, impact area, industry, identity, or region.

Minority-Owned or Led Businesses

B Lab US and Canada is focused on ensuring there is meaningful value to all leaders and that the community reflects the B Corp values of diversity. B Lab achieves this through affinity groups, discounts on annual fees and its Level program. As part of this program, we have been honored to work with incredible BIPOC women entrepreneurs through the certification process, and together with B Lab, to provide additional resources and opportunities post certification. Applications for the 2023 cohort are open through April 3. Apply here.

Start-ups

Full B Corp certification requires 12 months of historical operations in order to verify your company’s impact. Start-ups can receive Pending B Corp status, by meeting the legal requirement and completing the B Impact Assessment. Taking this step now will help you set the stage for impactful growth; the structure of the B Impact Assessment provides invaluable guidance around operational impact levers that are easiest to put in place at the outset and as you grow.

Still not sure if there is value in the B Corp process and community for your company? Even if you are new to impact measurement, the B Impact Assessment is a great place to start. The IGP team is here to answer your questions.

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