Leveraging Your Purpose with B Corp Certification

In the world of business, there’s no shortage of certifications. But for organizations effecting positive change (what we LOV at KidGlov!), the B Corp Certification is one worth knowing. This distinction assesses the positive impact of businesses all over the world.

Initially, we thought getting certified was as a way to stand apart from others in the industry. But the B Corp certification process did more than just provide us with a seal of approval—it showed us how to be even better by highlighting areas we could improve upon.

What is B Corp Certification?

Certified B Corporations are businesses that balance purpose and profit. These businesses go through a unique third-party verification process where assessors lift the hood, take a look at the organization from top to bottom, and assess whether the group is living according to their values and considering the impact of their decisions on employees, clients, the greater community, and the environment. 

It’s a unique, lengthy, and sometimes challenging certification process, but it’s a great way to signal to consumers that your organization is living up to its values and is truly walking the walk when it comes to mission and purpose. All things we at KidGlov can get behind! 

B Corp Certifications are pretty rare. Groups like Patagonia, Toms Shoes, New Belgium Brewing and others are among the just under 4,000 organizations globally that have obtained the certification. As of the time of this posting, there are only four other B Corp certifications in Nebraska.

How to Become a B Corp

It starts with the B Impact Assessment, a series of questions designed to help the assessors learn about your business and how it compares to others when it comes to living your values. The assessment is lengthy and complex. Organizations sometimes take it multiple times to fully understand the context. The assessment is a great opportunity for organizations to take a good, hard look at what’s working, what’s not, and how they can better balance profit and purpose. 

A score of 40%—80 points out of 200—means your business can become a B Corp. Seems easy, right? 

But those points are hard to come by and with good reason. The B Corp Certification isn’t meant for every business out there; it only highlights those that are truly balancing purpose and profit and using their missions as forces for good. 

Benefits of B Corp

Lengthy processes. Intense assessments. Why go through all the trouble? 

By embracing B-Corp standards, we’re not just doing business—we’re building a community. Our commitment to clear governance fosters trust and transparency, creating a stronger, more connected company. Environmental stewardship ensures that we’re leaving a healthier planet for future generations. We invest in our workforce because we believe that happy employees make for a happier company. We know giving back isn’t a duty; it’s our passion, and it’s important to our employees and clients. And by focusing on customer care, we’re not just ensuring a successful business—we’re forging lasting relationships based on trust and empathy.

Plus, being part of the B-Corp ecosystem helps us network with and learn from the best of the best because certified B Corps share their secrets openly. This means that we’re part of a collective that’s rooted in shared values and a commitment to making a positive impact.

If you’re a changemaking organization that needs a hand buttoning up your message, we’d love to hear from you. Our proven brand advancement process works to define and align your brand with your mission. Give us a call to learn more! 

KidGlov is a boutique, full-service, advertising, branding and content marketing agency and certified B Corp, with offices in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, specializing in nonprofit marketing, healthcare marketing, financial services marketing, social impact marketing, and purpose-driven businesses.