1. You are searching for a clear roadmap to greater impact

B Corp Certification offers more than just recognition. The B Corp certification process isn’t just about where you are, it’s about where you’re going.

In the Benelux region, 73% of B Corps say the certification helps them focus and structure their sustainability efforts, to improve their impact over time. This is more than just perception: since 2019, B Corps have on average improved their B impact score by over 10%, reflecting real progress across governance, workers, community, environment, and customers topics.

This acceleration of impact is further facilitated by collective action: one in three B Corps in the Benelux actively participate in collective action initiatives with B Lab, tackling global issues while fostering regional collaboration. This includes co-creating campaigns or engaging in joint lobbying and advocacy efforts, showing how impact grows when voices are united. Furthermore, the community aspect of the B Corp movement is a core benefit; most certified companies highlight the value of connecting with like-minded, purpose-driven peers. These relationships not only offer inspiration and accountability but also spark innovation and shared learning that go beyond any single organization.

2. You are keen to increase operational and financial resilience in volatile times

In an increasingly uncertain global landscape, operational and financial resilience becomes top of mind for many business leaders. Based on B Lab’s Financial Resilience Study, conducted in 2024, B Corps are proving to be better equipped to withstand disruption. Between 2019 and 2022:

• 76% of European B Corps reported revenue growth, compared to just 60% of non-B Corps.
• 35% of B Corps grew their workforce by over 25%, a milestone reached by only 23% of non-B Corps.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 95% of B Corps remained operational, a notable contrast to 88% of non-B Corps.

The B Corp framework, with its focus on long-term thinking, inclusive governance, and stakeholder engagement, strengthens a company’s ability to weather economic turbulence. It also prepares companies for what’s ahead: many B Corps are already aligned with emerging EU regulations and ESG standards, giving them a head start on compliance and reporting. In short, B Corp Certification doesn’t just support resilience today, it builds readiness for tomorrow.

3. You want to differentiate yourself from competitors and to improve your brand reputation

Consumer behaviour on sustainability issues is changing: 50% of Dutch consumers agree that the sustainability of a product or service plays a role in their purchasing decisions [source], with well over a third of Dutch consumers willing to pay up to a 5% premium for such products [source].

At the same time, awareness of B Corps is growing fast: in the Netherlands, B Corp brand recognition grew from 13% to 22% between 2023 and 2024. Among those aware of B Corp, 62% say certifications influence their purchasing decisions [source] and over two thirds perceive B Corp to be a trustworthy certification [source]. These numbers are not negligible and demonstrate a real opportunity for B Corps to stand-out in crowded markets, where consumers are wary of greenwashing and seek verifiable commitments to social and environmental responsibility.

4. You are looking for a way to increase talent attraction and retention

A growing percentage of the workforce is looking for more than just a paycheck. Employees want purpose, culture, and a sense that the company is part of something bigger. The demand for purpose-driven workplaces is clear: 42% of Dutch respondents agree that certifications influence where they choose to work [source], and LinkedIn’s Workplace Culture Report states that 86% of millennials would take a pay cut to work at a company whose mission and values align with their own.

The cost of not paying attention to this trend is a hefty one: in 2024, the percentage of disengaged employees increased, at a price tag of US$438 billion for the world economy (Gallup report).

In that context, B Corp Certification becomes a powerful differentiator:

• 1 in 3 certified B Corps in the Benelux report that the B Corp Certification helps them better manage their talent.
• 69% of Dutch B Corps say the certification is most beneficial for articulating and communicating the mission internally and externally, and for strategic planning.

Because B Corp Certification requires a holistic and rigorous assessment, it often engages employees across departments. That process creates clarity, fosters alignment, and strengthens a shared sense of purpose. For many job seekers, the B Corp logo is more than a certification; it’s a sign of the kind of workplace they want to be part of: values-driven, transparent, and accountable.

So… is becoming a B Corp right for your business?

Here’s the truth: becoming a B Corp is not a quick win. It is a thorough process that requires strong alignment within the company, dedication from the leadership team and long-term commitment for continuous improvement. It also means legally embedding stakeholder governance into your DNA by meeting the B Corp Legal Requirement — ensuring your purpose is protected as you grow. Most companies take at least a year to go through the process, and larger companies can take up to five years. Gathering your data, understanding your impact at a granular level and taking material steps for improvement takes and deserves time.

And for many, the certification process itself is the real reward.

Ultimately, becoming a B Corp is just the start of the journey. It means joining a movement for economic system change, dedicated to continuous improvement, that goes well beyond a certification process. We understand becoming a B Corp is not for everyone – in fact at B Lab, we often say: “We do not need every company to become a B Corp, but we need every company to act like one”. That is why our tools are free and confidential, and available to all – whether or not you pursue certification.

Whatever you choose: just start. There is no time to waste.

Coming up next: In my next blog, I will talk about the role of the B Corp movement in the broader ecosystem for change, and why that matters to all of us.