Article: How to become a B Corp certified company?

How to become a B Corp certified company?

Why more and more organisations are choosing B Corp certification — and how you can too.

Topics in this article:

• Why become a B Corp? The reasons to get started
• The benefits of B Corp certification
• The step-by-step guide: 6 steps to certification
• The new B Corp standards from 2026
• Criticism of B Corp certification
• How BR-ND People does it
• B Corp vs. other certifications
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Customers, employees, and investors are looking more critically at what a company does beyond its profit margins. Putting "we care about sustainability" on your website is no longer enough — they want proof. B Corp certification provides an independently verified framework to do exactly that: measure, improve, and communicate your impact. But how does it actually work? What does it cost? And is it worth all those spreadsheets?

Why become a B Corp? The reasons to get started

Let's be honest: the business landscape is shifting. The days when companies were judged solely on revenue and profit are behind us. More and more organisations realise that long-term value is created when you also invest in your people, your community, and the planet.

B Corp certification is a concrete response to that shift. It's an initiative by B Lab, a non-profit organisation that helps businesses measure and improve their societal impact.

The reasons to become a B Corp are as diverse as the companies pursuing it:

• You want to make your impact visible. Many organisations are already doing good things but lack a structured way to measure and communicate it. The B Impact Assessment provides that framework.
• You're looking for a compass for improvement. B Corp isn't a destination — it's a starting point. The assessment shows you exactly where you're strong and where you can grow.
• You want to join a movement. Thousands of certified B Corps worldwide collaborate, share knowledge, and strengthen each other. From Patagonia to Tony's Chocolonely, from small startups to major multinationals.
• You want to stay ahead of the curve. With increasing EU regulation around sustainability, such as the CSRD and the EU Green Claims Directive, it's smart to get your operations in order now.

The benefits of B Corp certification

Why do thousands of companies invest time, energy, and resources in this certification process? Spoiler: it's about more than a nice logo on your website.

Documenting and communicating impact

The B Impact Assessment provides a structured framework to map everything you're already doing. That makes it easier to communicate your sustainability efforts to customers, partners, and investors — backed by data rather than vague promises.

Improving impact

The assessment isn't just a measurement tool; it's an improvement tool. By working through the 200+ questions, you discover concrete opportunities to make your operations more sustainable. And the best part: you don't need to be certified to use the BIA tool for free.

Attracting and retaining talent

The next generation of professionals deliberately chooses employers who share their values. B Corp certification is a powerful signal that you take corporate social responsibility seriously. It doesn't just attract talent — it also strengthens the engagement and ownership of your current team. The numbers speak for themselves: organisations with a strong purpose culture see up to 67% less employee turnover, and happier employees are on average 12% to 20% more productive. Read more in our article Is B Corp certification worth the effort?.

Credibility and competitive advantage

In a market where more and more companies call themselves 'sustainable' — and the risk of greenwashing grows — B Corp offers an independently verified certification. This sets you apart from competitors and builds trust with critical customers and stakeholders.

Operational resilience

Through their focus on long-term relationships with suppliers and the community, B Corps are more resilient to economic shocks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, research by B Lab showed the survival rate of B Corps was 5.3% higher than traditional companies. Purpose-driven companies also achieve an average of 14% higher revenue growth than their peers.

Access to a global community

B Corp certification gives you access to a network of like-minded organisations. That community offers opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective impact that extends far beyond your own company.

Appeal to investors

Sustainable investments are growing explosively. Investors are increasingly looking for companies with strong ESG performance. Investors are willing to pay an average premium of 10% for companies with a solid social and environmental track record. B Corp certification is a recognised and respected quality label in that world.

The bigger picture: where B Corp fits in

B Corp doesn't exist in isolation. It fits within a broader shift: from pure shareholder value to stakeholder capitalism, where companies are accountable to everyone affected by their operations — employees, customers, suppliers, the community, the environment.

The numbers support this. Research by Harvard Business School shows that companies with a clear purpose perform better in the long term. Deloitte found that purpose-driven companies retain their top talent 40% more often. And Gallup shows that employees who find meaning in their work are up to 30% more innovative.

Regulation is moving in the same direction. The European CSRD requires large companies to report on their impact. B Corp certification helps you get ahead of that — instead of having to catch up later.

The step-by-step guide: how to get B Corp certified in 6 steps?

B Corp certification isn't a simple process — let's be honest about that. But it is a structured process with clear steps. Here's the complete roadmap:

Step 1: Get people on board

B Corp certification is an organisation-wide effort. It starts with buy-in from management and ownership on the work floor. Make sure the team understands why you're doing this and what it delivers — not just for the company, but for them personally.

Step 2: Sort out the legal foundation

A crucial part of B Corp certification is the 'Legal Requirement'. Certified B Corps are legally required to embed their sustainable mission in their articles of association. This means officially amending your company's governing documents to state that the board is obligated to consider the interests of all stakeholders in every decision. This provides legal protection to pursue social or environmental goals, even if it doesn't maximise short-term profit.

Step 3: Complete the B Impact Assessment

This is the heart of the process — and honestly, the most labour-intensive part. The B Impact Assessment (BIA) is a free online tool with over 200 questions across five impact areas (under the old standard): governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

Completing it typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the size and complexity of your organisation. You'll need documentation: think HR policies, environmental data, procurement processes, governance structures, and more. In short, you'll become the best-informed person in your own company.

How much time does it take?

The time investment depends on your company size and how well your documentation is organised:

• Small company (1-25 FTE): 80-150 internal hours, spread over 3-6 months
• Medium (25-100 FTE): 150-300 internal hours, spread over 4-8 months
• Large (100+ FTE): 300-500+ internal hours, spread over 6-12 months

This excludes waiting time at B Lab (up to 6 months) and the evaluation and verification phase (up to 4 months). In total, expect 6 months to well over a year from start to certificate.

What documents do you need?

This is where many companies underestimate how much work is involved. An indicative checklist of what B Lab may request:

You don't need everything to get started — but the more you collect upfront, the smoother the process will be.

A few tips from our own experience:

• Start with a baseline assessment. Complete the BIA roughly first to see where you stand. That way you'll know where the biggest improvement opportunities lie.
• Collect documentation early. A lot of time goes into gathering evidence. Start early.
• Involve the whole team. The BIA touches every department. Make it a shared project. It's advisable to form an internal 'B-Team' that collects data and leads improvement initiatives.

Step 4: Submit your application and enter the evaluation

After completing the BIA, you submit your application to B Lab. Then you enter the evaluation queue — which can currently take up to six months. (Yes, six months. Good time to work on your patience.) Then comes the evaluation round itself, where a B Lab analyst reviews your answers and may request additional documentation. This takes an average of six weeks.

Step 5: Verification

After the evaluation comes the verification phase, where B Lab spot-checks your answers. This process includes a risk profile (a check on controversial practices or industries), a verification call (an in-depth conversation where evidence is reviewed), and any corrective actions (adjustments needed to meet the requirements). This phase can take up to two and a half months.

Step 6: Time to celebrate 🎉

If you've successfully completed all steps and meet the requirements, you sign the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence and receive your B Corp certification. Pop the champagne (or the organic prosecco — you're B Corp after all). You pay an annual fee based on your revenue, and the status must be periodically revalidated. But for now: celebrate. Share the story with your team, your customers, and your community.

Important to know: the total lead time from application to certification can range from six months to over a year. Preparation is everything.

What's changing? The new B Corp standards from 2026

In April 2025, B Lab implemented the biggest overhaul of the B Corp standards ever. From January 2026, existing B Corps will be recertified under the new standards, and from March 2026, new companies can certify under the updated framework. Here's what you need to know:

From a points system to mandatory requirements

The old system worked with a score: you needed at least 80 out of 200 points on the BIA. That system has been completely replaced. Instead, you must now meet specific, mandatory requirements across all seven impact areas. Weak performance in one area can no longer be compensated by strong performance in another.

From five to seven impact areas

The five old domains (Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, Customers) have been replaced by seven "Impact Topics":

1. Purpose & stakeholder governance - mandatory materiality analysis and integration of purpose at the highest governance level
2. Climate action - a science-based climate plan aligned with the Paris 1.5°C target
3. Human rights - mandatory due diligence to proactively identify and address abuses in the value chain
4. Fair work - hard requirements around living wages and worker voice
5. Environmental stewardship & circularity - active steps toward waste-free and restorative business models
6. Justice, equity, diversity & inclusion (JEDI) - concrete targets for diversity at the top and throughout the value chain
7. Government affairs & collective action - transparency on lobbying activities and country-by-country tax reporting

From three-yearly to five-yearly with interim check-ins

Under the old system, you had to recertify every three years. The new standards introduce a five-year cycle with an interim check-in in year 3. This gives companies more time for structural improvements while maintaining pressure for continuous progress.

Continuous improvement is mandatory

Standing still means falling behind. Companies must not only meet the "Year 0" requirements at initial certification but also demonstrate measurable improvement in year 3 and year 5. This makes B Corp less of a snapshot and more of a continuous journey.

Alignment with external reporting frameworks

A key innovation is the alignment with recognised international standards. The new B Corp requirements connect with frameworks like GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative), and the European CSRD. This makes it easier for companies to combine their B Corp reporting with other mandatory or voluntary reporting.

External verification

Under the new standards, verification is carried out by independent third parties. This increases the credibility of the certification and aligns with the EU's stricter requirements on sustainability claims, such as the EU Green Claims Directive.

What does this mean for you?

The new standards make certification stricter but also clearer. No more chasing points — just concrete action across all seven areas. For companies starting now, that's good news: you know exactly what's expected of you. More background information can be found in our article B Lab is evolving: from points system to mandatory standards.

At BR-ND People, we're transitioning to the new standard in 2026 ourselves. What we're learning: the updated approach aligns better with what companies actually need. It's no longer about a score — it's about measurable, demonstrable impact.

Start now or wait for the new standards?

This is one of the most common questions we get. The short answer: don't wait. The BIA is a valuable starting point, even if the standards change. Everything you map out now — your governance, your environmental impact, your HR policies — remains relevant under the new requirements. In fact, companies that do a BIA baseline assessment now will have a massive head start. You'll know your gaps, your documentation will be in order, and your team will already be used to thinking in terms of impact. Waiting means starting later with the same amount of work — but with less time.

Criticism of B Corp certification: what you need to know

No system is perfect, and if we only sang praise, you'd rightfully not take us seriously. So here's the honest, critical perspective.

Complexity and lead time

The BIA is extensive and can be overwhelming, especially for smaller organisations. Over 200 questions, extensive documentation requirements, and a lead time that can exceed a year. That requires a significant investment of time, money, and internal capacity.

The numbers confirm this: in 2021, over 3,500 applications were submitted, but only 900 companies actually achieved the certificate. Three-quarters dropped out. That's not an exam you breeze through.

Costs and accessibility

While the BIA tool is free, there are costs associated with the certification itself. The annual fee to B Lab is based on your revenue:

Source: B Lab fee structure. Exact amounts may vary; check the current rates at bcorporation.net.

Additional costs often include external consulting ($5,000 - $25,000+, depending on scope), legal amendments to your articles of association ($1,000 - $3,000), and internal hours. For SMEs with limited resources, this can be a barrier.

The compensation problem

Under the old points system, a company could compensate weak performance in one area with strong performance in another. A company with a high environmental score could, for example, score lower on worker wellbeing and still get certified. This led to justified criticism.

The new standards address this: you must now meet requirements in all seven impact areas. No more compensation. That's an important improvement.

The Nespresso case

The certification of Nespresso (part of Nestlé) in 2022 sparked a storm of criticism from existing B Corps. Critics pointed to the history of human rights violations on coffee plantations and the enormous waste stream from aluminium capsules. The fact that Nespresso could meet the threshold despite these controversies fuelled the feeling that certification had become too lenient for multinationals.

The BrewDog case

BrewDog, the British 'punk brewery', lost its B Corp status after less than two years. Revelations about a toxic work culture and a 'culture of fear' came to light. So much for punk. While this shows that B Lab is willing to revoke certification for serious misconduct, it also raises questions about how such companies could score highly on the 'Workers' domain in the first place.

Self-reporting as a weakness

A fundamental criticism is that the BIA largely relies on self-reporting. While B Lab verifies documentation, academics warn that companies can manipulate reports to score easy points while avoiding complex and urgent issues — like supply chain decarbonisation. The new standards partly address this by introducing external third-party verification.

Does B Corp remain relevant?

Sustainability standards and societal expectations evolve rapidly. What's considered progressive today may be the minimum standard tomorrow. B Lab must keep innovating to stay relevant, and the recent overhaul of the standards shows they have that ambition.

B Corp greenwashing: the danger of the label as a marketing tool

But there's a deeper risk that threatens the entire movement: using the label as a marketing tool without genuine intent.

What is B Corp greenwashing?

B Corp greenwashing occurs when organisations use the certification as a marketing instrument without truly embracing the underlying principles. The label becomes a "badge" that suggests credibility while daily operations don't fundamentally change.

The founder of British pet food company Scrumbles called the certification "little more than a marketing badge" — a statement that generated much debate but also exposes a real risk.

Importantly, it's not just about 'green'. There are different forms of misleading communication:

• Greenwashing: presenting a more environmentally friendly image than reality warrants. Often by heavily promoting one small sustainable initiative while the rest of operations remains polluting.
• Bluewashing (or socialwashing): misleadingly communicating about a company's social impact and human rights performance.
• Greenwishing: a phenomenon where companies genuinely intend to become more sustainable but set goals they technologically or financially cannot achieve, leading to a breach of trust.

How can it happen?

• Certification as a finish line. Some companies achieve the certificate and consider it a completed project rather than a continuous improvement journey. They lean on the score without developing further.
• Selective communication. A company can prominently display the B Corp badge while changing little in its core activities. The label becomes a shield rather than a mirror.
• Industry blurring. Large companies in controversial sectors that achieve B Corp certification can blur the picture of what the certification truly represents.

Why this is dangerous

If the credibility of B Corp certification is undermined by companies using it as a marketing tool, it damages the entire movement. Just as with greenwashing vs. impact branding: the external story must match what happens internally. Consumers and stakeholders who lose trust in the label turn away — not just from individual companies, but from the B Corp community as a whole.

That's a direct threat to all organisations that carry the label with integrity and genuinely invest in their impact.

How the new standards address this

The updated B Corp standards are partly a response to this criticism:

• Mandatory continuous improvement prevents companies from standing still after certification
• External third-party verification increases independence and reliability
• No more compensation between impact areas ensures a broader and more consistent performance profile
• Alignment with EU regulation such as the Green Claims Directive makes it harder to make unsubstantiated claims

Additionally, B Lab has implemented specific mechanisms to prevent abuse:

• 1% revenue rule: companies that derive more than 1% of their revenue from prohibited industries (fossil fuels, weapons, tobacco, gambling) are ineligible for certification.
• Public transparency: every B Corp is required to make its full impact report publicly available on B Lab's website, so stakeholders can review the details.
• Complaints procedure: stakeholders can file complaints against B Corps, which can lead to investigation and revocation of status — as happened with BrewDog.

These are improvements that make the system more robust. But no standard can fully exclude bad intentions. The question remains: why do you want to become a B Corp? If the honest answer is "for the marketing", it's better to think about that first.

From B Corp certification to culture: how BR-ND People does it

We're not writing this article just as knowledge partners — we're people who've been through it ourselves, three times. BR-ND People has been working with B Corp since 2017 and is now three times certified. In our most recent round in 2025, we scored 112.9 points. (We're quietly rather proud of that.) More about our results in our Impact Report 2025.

What we learn from it: the score is nice for LinkedIn, but the process is more valuable. The BIA forces you to look at yourself honestly. Where is your impact really? And where isn't it? That confrontation is sometimes uncomfortable — a bit like watching yourself on video — but it always delivers something.

As an official B Corp Way consultant, appointed by B Lab, we guide other organisations through their B Corp journey. From SMEs taking their first steps to scale-ups ready for a deep transformation.

From practice: a retailer on the road to certification

One of the companies we guided was a retailer with about 150 employees. At the baseline assessment, they scored 38 points on the BIA — well below the 80-point threshold. The biggest gaps were in governance (no formal stakeholder engagement) and environment (no CO2 measurement, no circular policy). Over eight months, we worked together on concrete improvements: a stakeholder advisory board, a first carbon footprint measurement, and a supplier code of conduct. At the final BIA submission, they scored 87 points. Not spectacular, but sufficient — and more importantly: the team had a shared picture of their impact for the first time.

What we see time and again: the greatest value isn't in the certificate itself, but in the conversations it sparks about governance, worker wellbeing, and environmental impact.

Practical tips: how to increase your chances of success

Based on our own experience (including the mistakes) and the dozens of organisations we've guided, here are some concrete tips:

• Start with a baseline assessment. Complete the BIA informally to discover where you stand. This prevents surprises later in the process.
• Invest in buy-in. B Corp certification affects the entire company. Make sure both management and the work floor support the initiative.
• Think about documentation. A large part of the work is collecting and structuring evidence. Start early.
• Consider guidance. An experienced B Corp Way consultant can navigate you through the complexity, save time, and increase your chances of success. We offer various coaching packages, from quick scan to comprehensive transformation.
• See it as a journey, not a project. B Corp certification isn't a checklist. It's a continuous improvement process that makes your organisation stronger, more resilient, and more impactful.

B Corp vs. other certifications and standards

A common question: how does B Corp compare to other sustainability certifications? Here's a concise overview:

The key difference: B Corp looks at your entire business operation, not just environment or supply chain. It's also the only certification that requires legal anchoring (the amendment of your articles of association). Read more about the comparison between VSME and the BIA in our article VSME vs. B Corp's BIA: which fits your organisation?.

Client stories

These organisations put the principles from this article into practice:

• Amsterdam Impact: uniting creative power as a force for good
• Circle Economy: aligning culture and brand for a global circular-economy leader
• Thorizon: branding a new future for clean energy
• Kinderpostzegels: turning purpose into daily practice
• Natuurmonumenten: nurturing a lifelong love for nature
• Dierenbescherming: one shared heartbeat for 400 employees and 4,000 volunteers

Frequently asked questions about B Corp certification (FAQ)

What exactly is B Corp certification?

B Corp certification is an independent verification that your company meets high standards in social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. It's awarded by B Lab, a non-profit organisation.

How much does B Corp certification cost?

The BIA tool is free. The annual certification fee to B Lab ranges from approximately $500 (for small companies) to $25,000+ (for large enterprises), depending on your annual revenue. Additional costs often include external guidance ($5,000 - $25,000+) and legal amendment of your governing documents ($1,000 - $3,000).

How many internal hours does B Corp certification take?

Expect 80-150 hours for a small company (1-25 FTE), 150-300 hours for medium (25-100 FTE), and 300-500+ hours for larger organisations. Most time goes into collecting documentation and completing the BIA.

How long does the certification process take?

From start to certification, it takes an average of six months to over a year, depending on your preparation, the size of your organisation, and the waiting time at B Lab (currently up to six months).

Can I become a B Corp as a sole trader or freelancer?

Technically yes — B Lab doesn't set a minimum company size. But the BIA is designed for companies with employees, suppliers, and broader operations. As a one-person business, you'll automatically score low or not applicable on many questions. An alternative to start with is the VSME standard.

Can I become B Corp without a consultant?

Yes, you can. The BIA tool is free and accessible. But from experience, we know that companies going without guidance typically take longer and more often get stuck on documentation requirements. A consultant saves time and increases your chances of success — but isn't a requirement.

Should I start now or wait for the new standards?

Don't wait. Everything you map out now — governance, environmental impact, HR policies — remains relevant under the new requirements. Companies that start now will have a head start.

What's changing with the new standards in 2026?

The points system is being replaced. Instead, you must meet mandatory requirements across seven impact areas. Continuous improvement is mandatory and verification is carried out by independent third parties.

Is B Corp certification suitable for SMEs?

Absolutely. B Corp is for all companies, from startup to multinational. The BIA is extensive, so good preparation and possibly external guidance are recommended. Also consider starting with the VSME standard as a stepping stone to the BIA.

What if I don't meet the requirements?

Under the new standards, it's no longer about points but about meeting specific requirements per impact area. If you don't meet them, the process still provides valuable insights into where you can improve. The journey is at least as valuable as the destination.

What's the difference between B Corp and the Dutch Maatschappelijke BV (BVm)?

B Corp is an international private certification, audited by B Lab. The BVm (Social Ltd.) is a Dutch legal status currently in the legislative phase. They complement each other: B Corp offers the most comprehensive framework for holistic impact measurement today, while the BVm may add legal recognition in the future.

What's the difference between B Corp and ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 focuses exclusively on environmental management systems. B Corp looks broader: at governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. They don't exclude each other — many B Corps also hold ISO certification.

What's the difference between B Corp and CSRD?

The CSRD is EU legislation that requires large companies to report on sustainability. B Corp is a voluntary certification with higher ambition: not just reporting, but also meeting performance requirements. For companies that will become CSRD-obligated, B Corp is excellent preparation.

Ready to take the first step?

Whether you're just starting to think about impact or you're already in the middle of your sustainability strategy — B Corp certification provides a clear framework to make your ambitions concrete.

The difference between companies that claim to be sustainable and companies that can prove it is becoming increasingly visible. B Corp gives you the structure to be on the right side of that line. And yes, it's work. But the kind of work you'll be glad you did.

Curious how your organisation can make the step to B Corp? Get in touch with BR-ND People for a no-obligation conversation. Or schedule a free consultation with our B Corp expert Daniel Cohen Stuart.