You are visiting the B Lab Benelux website. Click here to find out more about the B Corp movement in Europe or in other countries.

News > B Local Noord Launch: Coming together for a better world

B Local Noord Launch: Coming together for a better world

21/05/2026

We’re excited to announce the launch of B Local Noord, a community of B Corps and like-minded organisations based in the north of the Netherlands coming together to build a better world for people and the planet.

  • Carlos Polo-Barceló Sr. Impact Programs Coordinator B Lab Benelux

B Local Noord has officially launched, uniting B Corps and purpose-driven businesses based in Friesland, Drenthe and Groningen.

We’re excited to announce the start of B Local Noord, a community of B Corps and like-minded organisations based in the north of the Netherlands coming together to build a better world for people and the environment.

B Local Noord was created to connect certified B Corps and like-minded purpose-driven companies on a regional level, to foster meaningful collaboration and shared learning, so that businesses in this region can strengthen their impact on people and the planet. B Local Noord is doing the valuable work of uniting and amplifying initiatives based in Friesland, Groningen & Drenthe.

So what’s the ultimate goal?

B Local Noord’s mission is to support and grow the impact network of certified B Corps and aspiring companies in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe by promoting social and environmental responsibility in business. By creating meaningful connections and raising awareness of the B Corp movement, B Local Noord aims to maximize regional impact and champion sustainable business practices. Any organisation or individual based in this region who identifies with this mission is invited to join!

As part of the wider B Corp movement and the growing family of B Locals in the Netherlands, B Local Noord helps translate global ambitions into local action, right here in the north.

Who is B Local Noord for?

B Local Noord welcomes:

  • Certified B Corps with a branch or headquarters in the north of the Netherlands
  • Purpose-driven organisations considering B Corp Certification
  • Other mission-aligned partners who want to help shape a more inclusive and regenerative regional economy

It brings together B Corps and aspiring B Corps based in the north of the Netherlands who want to connect with peers who share the same values, learn from each other’s journeys and best practices and collaborate on concrete initiatives that benefit communities and the environment.

B Local Noord is one of many B Locals around the world that bring the B Corp movement to life in their own regions.

What are B Locals?

B Locals are regional, volunteer-driven communities that bring the global B Corp movement to life at the local level.  B Locals are vital to the B Lab Theory of Change, by:

  • Connecting and generating commitment among the people who work in B Corps to strengthen the B Corp Community
  • Increasing the positive impact of the Business for Good economy at the local level
  • Giving visibility to the existence of the Business for Good economy locally and the local B Corp movement

The Journey behind B Local Noord

The B Local Noord concept was initiated by Bart Joling, Helma Hoving, and Ian Torenvlied from B Corps Ten Stripes & MerkBrouwers, who saw the need for a dedicated community connecting impact-driven businesses in the northern provinces. Inspired by other B Locals and supported by B Lab Benelux, they began bringing together local changemakers, exploring how a regional network could strengthen collaboration and visibility for the B Corp movement in the north. They were joined by Rianne Hooiveld, and the four of them now form the board of B Local Noord.

“B Local Noord connects impact‑driven entrepreneurs with education and government, and serves as an example and source of inspiration for other entrepreneurs in shaping their future vision.“

Helma Hoving

 

 

B Local Noord officially launched on Feb 5 2026, signing the B Local agreement alongside Tessa van Soest, Director of B Lab Benelux, and local stakeholders at an inspiring event hosted at MediaCentrale Groningen. The programme was moderated by Arjen Boekhold and featured diverse perspectives from within the movement. Arnoud Evenhuis shared how B Corp Buenaparte approaches conscious advertising and uses communication as a lever for positive change. Tessa van Soest provided context on the B Corp movement in the Netherlands and how B Locals help turn global standards into local collaboration. Finally, a lively panel discussion with Tessa van Soest (B Lab Benelux), Jochem Hoekstra (Founded), Suzanne van der Woude (Hanze) and Arjen Boekhold (Game Changer Unltd.) explored what it takes to grow a purpose-driven business ecosystem in the north and how B Local Noord can best support that journey.

This initiative wouldn’t exist without the passionate people leading it! Thank you to the founding team Bart Joling, Helma Hoving, Rianne Hooiveld & Ian Torenvlied, whose energy and commitment bring this community to life!

Building Momentum: What’s Already Happening

Now that B Local Noord has officially launched as a local impact community, more inspirational sessions are planned, focused on impact strategy, B Corp certification, and cross-industry collaboration. These events are open for anyone from the region who’s interested to connect, learn, and grow. A B Local Noord LinkedIn page has been launched for you to follow all the latest news, and stay in the know of upcoming events.

Who are the B Corps of B Local Noord?

  • van Hulley
  • Eska
  • Ten Stripes
  • Alfa accountants – aaf
  • BuenaParte
  • EcoStyle
  • Soley
  • Royal Goedewaagen
  • WakaWaka
  • MerkBrouwers

“What I find so powerful about B Local Noord is how it brings like‑minded people together.“

Ian Torenvlied

 

Join the Movement!

We’re just getting started, and we’d love for you to join us! Here’s how:

  • Follow B Local Noord on LinkedIn for news and event announcements
  • Sign up for the mailing list to stay in the loop
  • Join the events – whether you’re a certified B Corp or just curious about using business for both people and the planet, you’re welcome!
  • Reach out to the board if you want to get involved, collaborate on initiatives, or explore B Corp certification for your company!

Other News

Inclusive Hiring B Lab B Corp

Equal Work, Equal Pay? How the Netherlands is Falling Behind

18/09/2025
  • Blog

Today is Equal Pay Day. The Netherlands dropped 15 places in the Global Gender Gap Index, landing at #43. The pay gap is far from closed. Read how new EU legislation and updated B Corp standards are raising the bar on pay transparency and equity, and how purpose-driven businesses are already leading the way.