How do I become a B Corp?
The B Corp certification process has recently changed. Under the new Version 2.1 Standards, certification no longer relies on achieving a minimum score. Instead, every business must meet foundation requirements and take action across all of the core Impact Topics. This makes B Corp certification more consistent and focused on meaningful impact.
Step-by-Step Journey
Step 1
Pre-Certification & Eligibility
Your business must be incorporated and trading for at least 12 months, comply with relevant laws, and not fall into any restricted industries.
Step 2
Foundation Requirements
Before tackling impact topics, you must meet non-negotiable baseline commitments:
Legal change: update your governing documents to embed stakeholder governance and sign B Lab’s Declaration of Interdependence.
Risk screening: complete B Lab’s risk profiling and address any additional due-diligence requirements flagged. This covers:
Labour practices – e.g. forced or child labour, unsafe working conditions, or lack of worker protections in supply chains.
Sector-specific risks – industries such as extractives, apparel, agriculture, or finance that carry higher ESG concerns.
Geographic risks – operating in regions with weak human rights enforcement, high corruption, or limited environmental regulation.
Product/service risks – offerings that could cause harm to customers, communities, or the environment.
Governance risks – lack of transparency, conflicts of interest, or political engagement that conflicts with B Corp values.
Step 3
Impact Topics
Every business must then demonstrate meaningful action and compliance across seven Impact Topics:
Purpose & Stakeholder Governance – embedding purpose at the heart of decision-making
Fair Work – ensuring dignity, equity, and wellbeing for all workers.
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – making representation and fairness core to how you operate.
Human Rights – respecting and protecting rights throughout your operations and supply chain.
Climate Action – measuring emissions and setting reduction strategies.
Environmental Stewardship & Circularity – reducing waste, protecting ecosystems, and moving towards circular systems.
Government Affairs & Collective Action – ensuring public engagement and advocacy align with B Corp values.
Step 4
Submission & Verification
Once you meet the foundation requirements and demonstrate progress across all impact areas, you submit your assessment to B Lab. Independent analysts review your responses, request supporting evidence, and carry out verification calls.
Step 5
Certification & Commitment
Once approved, your business becomes a Certified B Corp! You’ll publish a B Corp impact report UK to demonstrate transparency, and commit to ongoing improvement milestones at set intervals (Year 0, Year 3, Year 5, and beyond).
Unlike older versions of the standards, V2.1 doesn’t focus on hitting a numeric score. Instead, it ensures that all certified companies meet baseline minimums and take action across all impact areas. This raises the bar for accountability and gives you a clearer roadmap to follow.
