Business
B Corp: Business as a Force for Good
Discover what a B Corporation is. Learn about the certification verifying a company's high standards of social and environmental performance.
What is it?
A Certified B Corporation, or B Corp, is a for-profit company that has been verified by the non-profit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Unlike traditional corporations that prioritize shareholder profit, B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders: their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This certification is a signal that a company is committed to using business as a force for good, balancing purpose with profit. It is not a legal entity type itself, but a certification earned by businesses of all legal structures.
Why is it trending?
The B Corp movement is gaining momentum as consumers and employees increasingly demand more from businesses than just products or services. There's a growing desire to support and work for companies that align with personal values, pushing brands to demonstrate genuine commitment to social and environmental issues. For startups, B Corp certification is a powerful differentiator that helps attract top talent, build customer loyalty, and appeal to impact investors. It provides a credible framework to combat 'greenwashing' and prove that a company's mission is woven into its operational DNA.
How does it affect people?
For consumers, the B Corp logo provides a trusted, easy-to-identify mark for ethical purchasing, allowing them to vote with their wallets for a more sustainable and equitable economy. For employees, it often signifies a better work environment with a strong sense of purpose, fair wages, and robust benefits. For founders and investors, it provides a legal and operational roadmap to build and support businesses that create long-term value for all of society, not just financial returns. It fundamentally reshapes the definition of success in business, moving it from a purely financial metric to a holistic one.