FAQs: B Corp Basics for Small Businesses
What is a B Corp?
A B Corp is a business that has shown through independent verification that it acts in the interests of people and the planet as well as profit. Certification signals that your organisation has credible accountable practices in place rather than relying on intentions or marketing language.
Who can become a B Corp in the UK?
Any for-profit business that has traded for at least twelve months can begin the journey. Many B Corps are SMEs who want a structured way to align purpose and performance and a recognised standard to show the depth of their commitment to responsible business.
What has changed with the new B Corp standards?
B Lab has replaced the old points based eighty-out-of-two hundred model with clear minimum standards in seven impact areas. This shift ensures that certification reflects good practice across the organisation rather than strength in a single area. It raises the level of credibility within the B Corp community and gives founders a clearer framework for demonstrating that impact is embedded in the way their business operates.
What are the seven impact topics in the B Corp standards?
Businesses must meet requirements in these areas:
Purpose and stakeholder governance
Human rights and working conditions
Fair work
Climate action
Environmental stewardship and circularity
Justice equity diversity and inclusion
Impact management and improvement
You must also meet the foundation requirements which include legal wording and transparency.
How long does certification take?
Most small businesses take six to twelve months depending on how ready their systems and documentation are. The new self assessment tool helps you see exactly what you need. Our Sussex Impact Pathway support programme takes you through the B Corp assessment step-by-step in three months. Find out more.
What does B Corp cost?
B Lab charges an annual certification fee that is linked to your total revenue plus a one-off submission fee. Fees start in the low hundreds for very small organisations and rise in tiers for larger companies. The exact amount for your business can be seen in B Lab’s fee calculator which is available on the B Lab UK website.
Alongside the annual fee you should plan for some internal costs. These usually include staff time to collect and organise evidence review policies set up measurement systems and complete the verification process. Some companies also choose to invest in advisory or legal support although this is not required.