Have you ever heard of a B Corp?

You’re not alone if you’re new to the term, but it’s rapidly gaining attention in the business world.

B Corps, short for Benefit Corporations, represents a unique company breed.

They’re designed to focus not only on profit but also on creating a positive impact on society and the environment.

That’s right, B Corps aims to use business as a force for good.

The key idea behind the B Corp movement is that companies should be about more than just making money.

They should contribute to solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, inequality, and social justice.

It’s an exciting shift that’s challenging traditional business models.

It begs the question: Can capitalism be a force for positive change?

Let’s explore how B Corps are reshaping business as we know it.

The History Behind the B Corp Movement

To understand B Corps, we have to look back a bit.

The concept started in 2006, thanks to three forward-thinking friends: Jay Coen Gilbert, Bart Houlahan, and Andrew Kassoy.

They recognized that businesses had incredible potential to make a difference.

They also saw a problem: traditional companies often prioritize shareholders over employees, communities, and the planet.

The trio founded B Lab, a nonprofit organization promoting businesses that balance purpose with profit.

The B Corp certification was born.

Companies agree to meet rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency through certification.

This created a new way for businesses to signal their commitment to doing good, and the movement has only grown from there.

Why Businesses Choose to Become B Corps

Why would a company go through the process of becoming a B Corp?

It’s a fair question, and the answer is surprisingly simple:

Businesses want to show that they’re serious about making a difference.

Think of it as a badge of honour.

A B Corps certification signals to customers, employees, and investors that the company doesn’t just talk about doing good—it walks the walk.

Take Patagonia, for example.

The outdoor clothing company is a well-known B Corp, and it has used its platform to advocate for environmental sustainability.

From donating 1% of sales to environmental causes to launching campaigns urging consumers to buy less, Patagonia’s B Corp status sends a strong message:

They care about more than just their bottom line.

The B Corp Certification Process

Now, becoming a B Corp isn’t easy.

It requires businesses to undergo a comprehensive assessment that measures their impact across multiple areas, including:

• Governance
• Workers
• Community
• Environment
• Customers

The assessment itself is rigorous.

Companies must score at least 80 points out of 200 to qualify for certification.

This process ensures that only the most dedicated companies earn the B Corp label.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Certified B Corps must also update their assessment every three years to ensure they continue meeting the standards.

How B Corps Are Changing the Business Landscape

So, what’s the big deal?

How exactly are B Corps changing the way businesses operate?

For starters, B Corps prioritize stakeholders over shareholders.

This is a radical departure from traditional corporate models, which typically prioritize shareholder profits above all else.

In a B Corp, decisions aren’t just made with shareholders in mind; they also consider the impact on employees, communities, and the environment.

This shift toward a stakeholder-driven model is a fundamental reason why B Corps is seen as a new type of capitalism.

Consider Ben & Jerry’s, another well-known B Corp.

Ben & Jerry’s doesn’t just make ice cream.

The company is deeply involved in climate change, racial justice, and fair trade issues.

By becoming a B Corp, they’ve shown that it’s possible to do good while making a profit.

B Corps and Employee Engagement

Another reason companies choose to become B Corps?

Employee engagement.

In an age where employees want more meaning from their work, B Corps offer a compelling reason for people to feel good about what they do.

When employees know their company is working toward a greater good, it can boost morale and engagement.

In fact, studies have shown that B Corps often have lower employee turnover and higher job satisfaction compared to non-B Corps.

Employees want to work for companies that align with their values.

Take Etsy, for example.

The e-commerce platform became a B Corp in 2012, and its commitment to social and environmental causes has helped attract employees who are passionate about making a difference.

This alignment between company values and employee beliefs fosters a sense of purpose.

B Corps and Consumer Trust

Let’s talk about consumers.

In today’s world, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how their purchasing decisions impact the world around them.

More and more, people want to support businesses that reflect their values.

A B Corp certification powerfully signals to consumers that a company is committed to ethical and sustainable practices.

Think about Warby Parker, the eyewear brand.

As a B Corp, Warby Parker has built its brand around social responsibility. With every purchase, it offers a “buy a pair, give a pair” program that donates a pair of glasses to someone in need.

This has endeared them to consumers who want to do good while shopping.

Being a B Corp builds trust.

Challenges of Becoming and Maintaining B Corp Status

While the benefits are clear, becoming a B Corp isn’t without its challenges.

For one, the certification process is time-consuming and requires significant resources.

Small businesses may struggle to dedicate the time needed to complete the assessment.

Additionally, maintaining B Corp status requires a continuous commitment to improvement.

Companies must regularly update their assessments and demonstrate ongoing progress.

But for many, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

The B Corp certification boosts a company’s reputation and attracts conscious consumers and talented employees.

The Global Growth of B Corps

The B Corp movement isn’t just a trend—it’s a global phenomenon.

Today, there are more than 5,000 certified B Corps across 150 industries in over 70 countries.

This growth speaks to a larger shift in the business world.

As consumers, employees, and investors demand more from companies, businesses must rethink their priorities.

This growing B Corps network proves that companies can succeed while doing good.

It’s a powerful reminder that the future of business doesn’t have to be all about profit.

It can be about people and the planet, too.

How to Spot a B Corp in Action

How can you tell if a company is a B Corp?

Look for the B Corp logo.

It’s a small “B” inside a circle, and you’ll often find it on product packaging, websites, or storefronts.

Once you spot that logo, you can be sure the company has met high social and environmental performance standards.

Remember the brands we’ve mentioned: Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, Warby Parker, and Etsy?

They all proudly display the B Corp certification, and their commitment to doing good is clear in everything they do.

How Consumers Can Support B Corps

Want to support B Corps?

It’s easier than you think.

When shopping, look for the B Corp logo.

Choose to spend your money with companies that align with your values.

Every purchase you make is a vote for the world you want to live in.

And if you’re curious about which companies are certified, the B Corp Directory is a great place to start.

You can search for certified companies by location, industry, or impact area.

B Corps and the Future of Business

As we look to the future, it’s clear that B Corps are leading toward a more sustainable and equitable business model.

The movement is challenging the status quo, proving that companies can make a profit while also making a positive impact.

With more consumers, employees, and investors demanding accountability, the B Corps will likely continue to grow.

Will every company become a B Corp?

Maybe not.

But one thing is certain: the B Corp movement has sparked a conversation transforming how we think about business.

It’s a reminder that businesses can be a force for good and that profit and purpose don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

So, the next time you’re shopping or considering where to work, consider the impact your choices can have.

After all, a better world is possible—and B Corps are showing us the way.