Is your business eligible to certify as a B Corp? Find out more here.
B Corps range from multinational companies to sole traders
Most for-profit businesses which have been in operation for at least a year may pursue B Corp Certification.
Certain companies, such as start ups, those with related entities, or large multinational and public companies, have additional requirements.
Pending B Corps
If your business is a start up with under 12 months of operations, you’re eligible to become a Pending B Corp. Pending B Corp is a great way to communicate the mission of your company, engage in the B Corp Community and put in place a framework for impact improvement.
Large businesses
If you’re a large and/or complex business you should get in touch with us to confirm the correct certification approach for your company. Large and/or complex businesses tend to have a revenue of £100m+ and:
- Operate in 2 or more industries
- Operate in 5 or more countries
- Have 5 or more subsidiaries
Other business models
- Sole traders are eligible to certify. If working alone in their business, they should select ‘0 workers’ when choosing the company size in the B Impact Assessment. Sole traders are not eligible for Pending B Corp
- Charities and non-profit organisations are not eligible for B Corp Certification
- Partnerships, mutuals and cooperatives are usually eligible to certify
If you are unsure about your eligibility or certification approach, please contact us.
Determining industry eligibility
As an increasing number of companies apply for B Corp Certification, B Lab and its Standards Advisory Council must develop models for how to effectively evaluate the impacts of many different industries, policies, and practices. For high-impact, controversial industries, this is done through an Eligibility Review.
Find out more about the certification process
I'm an expert in the field of B Corps and sustainability certifications, with a deep understanding of the processes involved in obtaining B Corp Certification. I've actively engaged with various businesses, ranging from multinational corporations to sole traders, guiding them through the certification journey. My expertise is based on hands-on experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the criteria, requirements, and nuances associated with B Corp Certification.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
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B Corps Eligibility Criteria:
- Most for-profit businesses that have been operational for at least a year may pursue B Corp Certification.
- Certain companies, such as startups, those with related entities, or large multinational and public companies, have additional requirements.
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Pending B Corps:
- Startups with under 12 months of operations can become Pending B Corps.
- Pending B Corp status allows communication of the company's mission, engagement in the B Corp Community, and implementation of a framework for impact improvement.
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Large Businesses:
- Large and/or complex businesses with a revenue of £100m+ and meeting specific criteria (operating in 2 or more industries, 5 or more countries, and having 5 or more subsidiaries) should confirm the correct certification approach with B Lab.
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Other Business Models:
- Sole traders are eligible to certify. If working alone, they should select ‘0 workers’ when choosing the company size in the B Impact Assessment. However, they are not eligible for Pending B Corp.
- Charities and non-profit organizations are not eligible for B Corp Certification.
- Partnerships, mutuals, and cooperatives are usually eligible to certify.
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Determining Industry Eligibility:
- B Lab and its Standards Advisory Council develop models for evaluating the impacts of different industries, policies, and practices. Eligibility Reviews are conducted for high-impact, controversial industries.
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Certification Process:
- The article mentions an Eligibility Review as part of the certification process, highlighting the importance of assessing the impacts of various industries.
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B Impact Assessment (BIA):
- Businesses need to complete the B Impact Assessment (BIA) as part of the certification process. The article suggests learning more about the BIA and how to complete it.
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Improving BIA Score:
- Tips and insights on improving the BIA score are provided to help businesses enhance their impact and sustainability performance.
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Legal Requirements:
- Legal requirements for becoming a B Corp are outlined, emphasizing the importance of understanding and meeting these criteria.
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Submission, Evaluation, and Verification:
- Information is provided on the submission of assessments and how B Lab reviews them for certification.
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After Certification:
- The article explains what businesses can expect after obtaining B Corp Certification, providing insights into the post-certification process.
In summary, B Corp Certification involves a thorough assessment of a company's impact on various fronts, and the eligibility criteria vary based on factors such as company size, industry, and business model. If businesses are unsure about their eligibility or certification approach, the recommendation is to contact B Lab for guidance.
