B Corporation
A for-profit company certified by B Lab for meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
A B Corporation, or B Corp, is a company that has been independently verified by the certification organization B Lab to meet high standards across five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. Unlike traditional corporations that are legally expected to prioritize shareholder profit, B Corps commit to balancing purpose and profit. They use business as a force for good while still operating as competitive, revenue-generating companies.
To become a certified B Corp, a company must complete the B Impact Assessment, a detailed evaluation that scores the company's practices and policies. Companies must score at least 80 out of 200 points and then undergo a verification review. They must also amend their legal governing documents to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. Certification is renewed every three years, ensuring ongoing accountability. Well-known B Corps include Patagonia, Ben and Jerry's, and Allbirds.
For high school students, B Corps offer an inspiring model of what business can look like when real-world impact is built into the foundation rather than treated as an afterthought. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, the B Corp framework provides a concrete set of standards to aspire to. It also shows that consumers and investors increasingly value companies that can demonstrate measurable positive impact. Understanding the B Corp model helps you evaluate businesses critically and envision a career where financial success and social contribution go hand in hand.