The Benefits of B Corp Certification for Businesses

Introduction

B Corps are on the rise. The number of certified B Corporations has increased by 350% in the last decade. In the UK alone, there are now over 1,000 certified B Corps.

But what’s driving this demand? And more importantly — should your business become one?

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What is a B Corp?
• What are the benefits for businesses?
• Examples of successful B Corps
• How B Corps differ from traditional businesses
• How hard it is to get certified
• Whether B Corp is right for your company

What is a B Corp?

B Corp certification is a third-party accreditation that measures a company’s social and environmental impact, public transparency, and legal accountability.

It’s based on five impact areas:

1. Governance – ethics, accountability, decision-making framework
2. Workers – fair pay, benefits, health, development opportunities
3. Community – charity, volunteering, social equity, local/global impact
4. Environment – energy, emissions, waste, supply chain footprint
5. Customers – safe, sustainable, and socially responsible products/services

Put simply: B Corps balance people, planet, and profit — the triple bottom line.

👉 If you want a refresher on sustainability basics, check out our article: What Sustainability Means for Businesses.

The Benefits of B Corp Certification for SMEs

Here’s why more small and medium-sized businesses are getting certified:

1. Boosted Reputation & Customer Loyalty

Consumers want responsible businesses. B Corps report 14% average revenue growth year-on-year and grow 28x faster than the average business.

2. Stronger Employee Attraction & Retention

Two-thirds of UK employees want to work for companies making a positive impact (Polman Report, 2023). Half would consider leaving if values don’t align. Becoming a B Corp shows your workforce you’re serious about purpose — not just profit.

3. Better Supplier Relationships

91% of companies now factor sustainability into supplier decisions. Being a B Corp puts you in the shortlist when competing for RFPs and contracts.

4. Greater Investment Opportunities

ESG investments have doubled since 2020. Some investors exclusively fund B Corps, making certification a direct pathway to new capital.

Examples of Well-Known B Corps

• Patagonia – donated over $110m to environmental organisations, pioneering sustainable apparel since 2012.
• Ben & Jerry’s – fair trade ingredients, climate justice advocacy, and socially responsible business since 2012.
• Danone – the world’s largest B Corp (certified 2020), aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.

These examples show B Corps aren’t limited to niche industries — SMEs and global giants alike benefit from certification.

How B Corps Differ from Traditional Businesses

Unlike standard companies, B Corps must:

• Meet rigorous social and environmental standards
• Legally commit to considering all stakeholders (not just shareholders)
• Report transparently and maintain accountability over time

In short: B Corps aren’t just profit-driven. They balance impact with income.

Is B Corp Certification Hard to Achieve?

Yes — but it’s achievable, especially for SMEs.

The process involves:

• Completing the B Impact Assessment (BIA) and scoring 80/200+
• Signing the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence
• Updating your company’s legal structure to embed ESG responsibility

Tips for SMEs:

1. Start early — the process can take months or years.
2. Engage your team — bring employees and stakeholders on the journey.
3. Seek support — from experts, communities, or organisations (like Futureproof) who specialise in guiding businesses through certification.

It’s a challenge, but one that delivers lasting business value.

Conclusion

So — is B Corp right for you?

If sustainability is already part of your vision, it’s a natural next step. If you’re still unsure, talk to other certified B Corps to hear their experience.

The truth is simple: the more businesses that balance people, planet, and profit, the better.

👉 Interested in getting certified or improving your impact score? Speak to the Futureproof team today to see how we can support your journey.

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FAQs About B Corp Certification

What does it mean to be a certified B Corp?
A certified B Corp is a business that meets verified standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It balances profit with purpose across governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

How long does B Corp certification take?
For SMEs, the process can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on company size, readiness, and existing policies. Larger or more complex organisations typically take longer.

What are the benefits of B Corp for small businesses?
Certification can boost your brand reputation, attract and retain employees, improve supplier and client relationships, and open up access to ESG-focused investment.

Is B Corp certification worth it?
Yes — if your business is committed to sustainability and long-term growth. While the process requires effort, it signals credibility, builds trust, and can positively impact revenue, culture, and investment opportunities.