B Corp Certification: How to Get Certified and Why It Matters for Sustainable Businesses

Achieving B Corp Certification is becoming a strategic priority for companies that are serious about sustainability, social impact, and long-term value. At LoopOS, we became a certified B Corporation because we believe tech should serve both people and the planet. 

In this article, we aim to simplify and demystify what B Corp Certification involves, how companies can achieve it, and why it matters - based on our own experience.

What Is B Corp Certification?

B Corp Certification is a global standard that recognises businesses that meet high social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. In essence, it signals that your business balances purpose and profit - with measurable and verified impact.

Certified B Corporations are for-profit businesses that are legally and operationally committed to considering the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders - including workers, communities, customers and the environment.

To dive deeper into the certification itself, you can explore the official overview from B Lab Europe.

What makes B Corp Certification unique is that it looks at a company’s overall impact, not just one area. It focuses on five key dimensions:

• Governance
• Workers
• Community
• Environment
• Customers

As of 2025, nearly 10,000 companies across more than 100 countries and 160 industries have achieved B Corp Certification reflecting a global shift in how businesses define success: from shareholder value alone to a broader commitment to people and the planet.

How to Get B Corp Certified

The path to certification is thorough and structured. Companies are evaluated through the B Impact Assessment (BIA), a rigorous questionnaire that examines everything from supply chain ethics to employee benefits and carbon footprint. To qualify, businesses must score at least 80 out of 200 points and complete a verification process.

Step-by-step overview:

1. Complete the B Impact Assessment: Evaluate your practices in governance, workers, community, environment and customers. It is free to use and offers a benchmark even if you're not ready to certify yet.
2. Meet the legal requirement: Modify your company’s legal structure to account for stakeholder governance, this ensures decisions factor in long-term impact.
3. Submit documentation and go through verification: B Lab analysts will request evidence, conduct interviews and potentially perform site reviews to validate your score.
4. Sign the B Corp Agreement and pay the annual fee: Fees vary based on company size and revenue.
5. Commit to transparency and recertify every 3 years: Certified companies must publish parts of their impact score and undergo recertification to maintain their status.

On average, the certification process takes 6–8 months for small to mid-sized companies.

Why B Corp Certification Matters for Sustainable Businesses

B Corp Certification is not just a label - it's a signal to the market that your business is built to balance purpose and profit. For sustainability leaders, this is a powerful tool to align teams, attract like-minded partners, and build trust with customers.

1. Brand Trust and Differentiation

B Corp Certification is a clear and credible way to show that your business aligns with people’s values. It builds trust with consumers who are actively looking for purpose-driven brands and often leads to stronger loyalty and preference.

2. Attracting and Retaining Talent

More than ever, people are drawn to companies that stand for something real and B Corp Certification shows that your commitment goes beyond marketing. That clarity of purpose helps attract talent, strengthen culture, and inspire long-term engagement.

3. Investor and ESG Alignment

For companies pursuing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, B Corp Certification serves as a trusted third-party validation. It simplifies reporting and helps attract impact-driven investors who want to support sustainable business models.

4. Community and Collaboration

B Corps are part of a global network of companies that believe in using business as a force for good. Being part of this movement opens the door to partnerships, shared learning, and business opportunities with other like-minded organizations.

5. Continuous Improvement

Recertification every three years encourages teams to improve policies, set sustainability goals, and drive innovation. The process itself helps uncover inefficiencies or blind spots that can lead to meaningful change.

6. Support for SMEs and Impact-Driven Companies

SMEs benefit from a clear roadmap to embed sustainability into operations. For impact-driven companies looking to scale responsibly, B Corp Certification offers credibility and practical tools for long-term growth.

Our Experience: LoopOS and the B Corp Commitment

At LoopOS, becoming a B Corp helped us align our internal operations with our core belief: that tech should work for people and the planet. It wasn't just about meeting standards - it was about raising them.

Today, being part of the B Corp community gives us the chance to grow alongside companies who share the same values and are committed to building a better future.

Final Thoughts: Why B Corp Is More Than a Badge

B Corp Certification goes beyond being a credential - it serves as a practical framework for companies striving to operate with purpose. By embedding responsibility into every part of the business, it helps align teams, build trust, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.

The path to certification starts with one step: understanding your company’s impact - and being bold enough to improve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become B Corp certified?

For most SMEs, between 6–8 months. Larger companies may require more time.

What kinds of companies can apply?

Any for-profit business, regardless of industry or size, can apply for certification. Whether you're in tech, fashion, or services, becoming a B Corp is a viable pathway.

Does it require legal changes?

Yes. Companies must adjust their legal structure to account for stakeholder impact.

Is it only for companies already focused on sustainability?

No. The assessment is also a roadmap - many companies use it to guide improvements even before they qualify.