What’s So Great About Being a Certified B Corp?
After spending two years in ‘pending’ status in 2023, Growth Animals finally became a certified B Corp. When the confirmation came through, there was a brief pause for reflection. Was the long wait worth it? Based on the response we received from the B Corp community when I began writing this piece, the answer seems clear: absolutely.
Initially, I planned to interview just one B Corp leader for this article, following the pattern of previous pieces. But as soon as I reached out for input, the enthusiasm and support from across the community made it impossible to spotlight just one voice. The result is a collective celebration of what makes B Corp certification truly meaningful – straight from those who live and breathe its values every day. What follows is a summary of the thoughts and opinions of B Corp leaders I spoke to.
A Commitment to Action
One of the biggest themes that came through was that B Corp status is not about simply saying the right things – it’s about doing them.
Certification requires real changes, including rewriting a company’s legal structure to ensure that decisions take into account not just profits, but also people and the planet.
For many businesses, this represents a major shift from traditional business models, grounding good intentions in real, accountable action.
The Value of the Challenge
B Corp certification isn’t easy to achieve, and that’s part of its value.
The B Impact Assessment, which measures how a company performs in areas like governance, environmental impact and community engagement, takes time and effort.
It forces businesses to examine their operations in detail and identify where they can improve, not just once, but on an ongoing basis. For many, the challenge is part of the reward.
Trust and Credibility
Another recurring theme was how certification helps build trust. It’s one thing to say your company operates ethically; it’s another to back that up with a globally recognised standard. B Corp status brings a layer of credibility that resonates with consumers, clients and partners who are increasingly prioritising purpose-driven brands.
A Generous, Collaborative Community
Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of joining the B Corp movement is the community itself. Business owners spoke about how open, generous and collaborative fellow B Corps are. Whether it’s sharing advice, working together on campaigns or simply offering encouragement, there’s a genuine sense of shared purpose. For many, being part of this network is a source of daily motivation.
Room to Grow and Lead
Certification doesn’t mark the end of the journey – it signals the beginning of a commitment to continuous improvement. Many B Corps use it as a platform for greater impact, taking on leadership roles in wider initiatives or contributing to collective goals like environmental sustainability or social justice. It also opens doors to new partnerships and conversations that align with a company’s mission.
Real Environmental Impact
On a practical level, becoming a B Corp also pushes businesses to make more mindful decisions – whether it’s around reducing waste, improving supply chain practices, or encouraging small acts like litter-picking or water conservation. It’s not just about high-level policies; it’s about embedding sustainable thinking into everyday operations.
Real Environmental Impact
And finally, for many leaders, B Corp certification brings a renewed sense of purpose. Knowing their work contributes to a larger mission gets them out of bed with energy and enthusiasm, eager to create even more positive change for people and the planet.
Of course, B Corp certification isn’t the only route to ethical business. There are other accreditation schemes available – some more focussed on specific issues like environmental sustainability or diversity, equity and inclusion, and others designed to be more accessible. The rise of these alternatives is itself a sign of progress, making it easier for companies to find a model that aligns with their purpose.
Written by Chris Thornhill, Co-Founder of Growth Animals
If you want to learn more about what’s so great about being a Certified B Corp, contact us here.
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