Restarting a Stalled Business Impact Assessment (BIA)
B Corp Certification journeys usually span 6 to 18 months, depending on a company’s size, complexity, and existing sustainability practices. It’s also a self-paced process. If you’ve already started the Business Impact Assessment (BIA) process but are not making much progress, or you have completely stalled, it’s understandable that you may feel frustrated and discouraged. The BIA is time-intensive, but it’s important to remember that it’s a crucial step in becoming a Certified B Corp. Small and medium-sized businesses often stall because of a lack of internal skills in ESG, or the team’s available capacity to complete the certification process. Larger complex businesses can stall for a wide variety of reasons, but often this is related to the specific skills needed to deeply understand the BIA and certification process including business improvements. If you have stalled, to help move things along in the assessment stage, you can do the following: First, start with the ‘why’ When you and your team hit a roadblock on the BIA, it’s crucial to identify the underlying reasons to effectively address them. Here are four common hurdles that companies may encounter: 1. Overwhelming responsibility In many cases, the responsibility for driving the BIA falls on one individual. In small businesses, this is often the CEO or owner. In medium-sized firms this can be a variety of job roles or at least a key decision-maker. This individual becomes a bottleneck, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task. B Corp certification is difficult, as it should be, so having a single project lead for a project that needs a team is often a roadblock. 2. Additional workload For employees assigned to the BIA alongside their regular responsibilities, maintaining momentum can be challenging. Enthusiasm might wane as the project becomes an added burden to their daily workload. 3. Loss of key sponsorship If the internal champion or sponsor advocating for B Corp Certification leaves the company, momentum can also falter. Without their advocacy, the initiative loses steam, impacting the organisation’s commitment to the process. 4. Struggling to meet point thresholds Companies might feel discouraged if they perceive that their progress towards achieving the required 80 points for certification is inadequate. This perceived gap can lead to a sense of disheartenment, further stalling the process. With certification requiring 80 (out of a possible 200) points, most organisations score about 40-50 points on their very first pass of the BIA. This is normal but can quickly dampen enthusiasm and push it into the too-hard basket. Second, apply these strategies You can overcome these hurdles with strategic interventions, such as: 1. Reflect on organisational purpose Reignite discussions around your organisation’s purpose and the value you aim to create. Evaluate strategic support and capacity to ensure alignment with purposeful practices, fostering a renewed commitment to B Corp Certification. Restart that fire! 2. Build an internal project team Distribute the workload by assembling a dedicated project team comprising members from various functions within the organisation. This not only lightens the burden on individual employees but also ensures diverse perspectives are considered. Many hands… 3. Assign BIA sections by function Allocate specific BIA sections to relevant departments such as HR, sales, marketing, operations, and supply chain. Leveraging the expertise of each function ensures accurate information and documentation, streamlining the assessment process. 4. Unlock value with external support In many instances, seeking external support from consultants can be instrumental in overcoming BIA challenges. B Lab-trained consultants offer tailored assistance by diagnosing issues, providing temporary capacity, and maintaining momentum throughout the process. Their expertise can empower your organisation to maximise points, prioritise efforts, and unlock untapped value within the assessment. 5. Shift perspectives: investment vs. cost It’s essential to reframe the mindset around outsourcing support for the B Corp Certification journey. While it may appear as a cost, viewing it as an investment yields long-term benefits. Consultants can help your team focus on what you do best while efficiently navigating the certification process. Finally, move forward with confidence Restarting a stalled BIA for B Corp Certification requires a concerted effort, strategic planning, and a shift in perspective. By addressing common hurdles head-on and leveraging external expertise, you and your team can reignite the journey towards B Corp Certification with renewed determination. Remember, it’s not just a certification—it’s a testament to your commitment to purposeful business practices and creating positive impact.
What is B Corp? The Revolution Redefining Business Purpose
In an era where the global business landscape is rapidly evolving towards sustainability and purpose, there’s a palpable momentum of companies not just chasing profits, but ardently pursuing a greater good. This commitment to positive change, transparency, and the common good has given rise to the transformative B Corp Certification. Awarded by B Lab, this prestigious recognition celebrates businesses that meet the zenith of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. Feeling inspired? The journey from problem to action is filled with possibility. Let’s dive into the inspiring world of B Corp, understanding its essence and how your business can be a beacon in this exhilarating movement. What is B Corp? B Corp is not just a certification; it’s a revolution. It represents a community of businesses and leaders who are dedicated to using their commercial power to solve social and environmental problems. They are pioneers, innovators, and most importantly, activists. B Corporations are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This means aligning profitability with a positive societal impact. It’s about balancing purpose and profit, where companies are as committed to doing good as they are to doing well. By becoming a B Corp, businesses join a vibrant community that thrives on collaboration, openness, and relentless pursuit of a better future. They become part of a movement that resonates with consumers, employees, and communities worldwide. What is B Lab? But who orchestrates this intricate dance between purpose and profit? Enter B Lab, the non-profit organisation behind the B Corp Certification. B Lab is the conductor, guiding companies towards a harmonious blend of financial success and social responsibility. Founded in 2006, B Lab’s mission is to transform the global economy into a force for good. They develop the metrics, standards, and tools that companies need to meet the rigorous social and environmental performance required for certification. B Lab believes that businesses should compete not only to be the best in the world but to be the best for the world. They’re not merely an organisation; they’re a catalyst for change, a champion for a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The Transformative Benefits of B Corp Certification What exactly are the benefits of becoming a B Corp? A Seal of Trust and Credibility In an era where consumers are becoming increasingly discerning about the brands they support, the B Corp Certification serves as a seal of trust. It’s a clear indicator that a company isn’t just talking the talk, but is genuinely committed to making a positive impact. This certification can significantly enhance a brand’s reputation, fostering trust and loyalty among consumers who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Attracting Like-minded Talent Today’s workforce, especially the younger generation, is actively seeking employers who align with their values. A B Corp Certification signals to potential employees that a company is dedicated to not just profit, but also to people and the planet. This can be a powerful magnet for attracting and retaining top talent who are passionate about making a difference. A Community of Changemakers Becoming a B Corp means joining a global community of like-minded businesses. This network provides a platform for collaboration, sharing best practices, and collectively amplifying the impact. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about coming together to drive systemic change in the business world. Continuous Improvement The B Corp assessment process is rigorous, and maintaining the certification requires periodic re-evaluation. This ensures that companies are always on their toes, continuously striving to improve their social and environmental performance. It’s a journey of constant growth, innovation, and commitment to excellence. A Competitive Edge In a saturated market, differentiation is key. The B Corp Certification provides businesses with a unique selling proposition, setting them apart from competitors. It’s a statement that says, “We’re not just here to do business; we’re here to do good.” And in a world where consumers are increasingly voting with their wallets, this can translate to a significant competitive advantage. Driving Stakeholder Value Traditional businesses often focus solely on shareholder value. In contrast, B Corps recognize the importance of creating value for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, the community, and the environment. This holistic approach ensures a more sustainable and inclusive business model, leading to long-term success and resilience. Future-proofing the Business The challenges of the 21st century, from climate change to social inequalities, require businesses to adapt and innovate. B Corps are at the forefront of this change, proactively addressing global challenges and positioning themselves as leaders in the new business paradigm. By aligning with the values of the B Corp movement, companies are better equipped to navigate the uncertainties of the future. Amplifying Brand Story and Purpose Every brand has a story to tell, and the B Corp Certification can amplify that narrative. It’s a testament to a company’s commitment to a greater purpose, resonating with consumers who are eager to support businesses that align with their values. How do I certify as a B Corp? Embarking on the journey to become a B Corp is both an inspiring and a challenging adventure. It’s a roadmap that leads businesses towards becoming leaders in responsible growth. Assessment: Begin by taking the B Impact Assessment (BIA). This comprehensive analysis evaluates your company’s overall social and environmental performance. Improvement: Based on your BIA score, identify areas where your company can make tangible improvements. The process encourages a holistic view of how your business can positively impact society. Verification: B Lab’s rigorous verification process ensures that your practices meet the high standards set for B Corp Certification. It involves thorough reviews, documentation, and even on-site visits. Legal Alignment: Adopt the legal framework that ensures a long-term commitment to stakeholder impact, even through changes in company ownership or management. Certification: Once you have successfully completed the above steps, your business will join the ranks of B Corps, a beacon of hope and a symbol of sustainable, responsible business practices. What is the B Corp BIA? The
Key tips to accelerate the B Corp certification process
That old adage of ‘the first step in running a marathon is the hardest’ definitely applies to starting B Corp certification. It’s a complex process that can take an average of six to 12 months from initial assessment to submission. But there are some critical things you can do to accelerate the certification process. As experienced B Consultants, The Growth Activists work with businesses to get them to the point of submitting. Key Tips to Accelerate the B Corp Certification Process Here are six key insights we have learned over the last year that will help get your organisation going: 1. Set up a B Project Team (ideally with a sponsor) It distributes the load, but most importantly it’s engaging. Your team will enjoy being involved. Teams we have worked with love contributing. They say they learn about ESG, and being on the team gives them a voice and creates common ground beyond the work itself. 2. Commit time each week This commitment is crucial, particularly for the initial first pass of the questionnaire. There is no doubt that completing the Business Impact Assessment (BIA) is rigorous. The evidence-based approach to earning points means a step-by-step approach is manageable. This gives you time to think, ask questions and source data between sessions. 3. Be prepared to champion change in your organisation The BIA reviews five ‘big rocks’ in your organisation. These are your approaches to governance, workers, community, customers and environment. It’s a whole-business review and likely transformational. We find that it’s best to highlight and champion this change early. 4. You and your team will not have all the answers Be prepared to search for answers. You’ll likely need to seek answers stored in servers or files that haven’t been looked at in months, and make sense of tacit information that is split across functions or has never been documented, but is the ‘way we always do things’. We find this process creates an opportunity for businesses to centralise and streamline their data and reports. 5. You will learn a lot And we mean a lot. This is an opportunity to extend and capture a lot of knowledge in your business. The BIA questionnaire is a decision tree. No two that we’ve seen have been the same. Even the same question will have different points allocated based on which track the business has been placed on. It will likely ask you team to raise the bar on company practices, and potentially introduce a new set of behaviours. 6. This is a strategic and operational exercise The certification process assists both your team and the business to understand what an exceptional global standard is for your industry or sector. It provides an opportunity to benchmark how you compare to other businesses in your sector locally and globally, and to determine if a gap exists between your organisation and your competitors. You’ll also work to identify the steps that need to be taken to close that gap. The Growth Activists is an experienced B Consultant. We’re here to support organisations through the complex B Corp certification process with the right advice for your business. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help.
Understanding B Corp certification for large enterprises
Completing a Business Impact Assessment (BIA) is a critical step in your B Corp certification journey. But for large businesses, it is not the first step. It’s not the second step either. In fact, it could be up to the seventh step on your certification pathway. The BIA is a free self-assessment questionnaire. It provides valuable insights and action into driving your business towards B Corp certification, and is a great way to learn the questions, data and information B Lab Global will require as part of the certification process. However, larger enterprises with more that USD$100 million in revenue, operating in two or more industries, five or more countries, or those with more than 10 subsidiaries, need to take a step back and complete some preliminary work that will save time, costs, and headaches in the future. Understanding B Corp Certification for Large Enterprises Where to start on your B Corp certification It is critical to choose your certification pathway carefully at the early stages. The BIA is a decision-tree style questionnaire. Once you start, there are up to 74 different tracks and many, many more questioning pathways on which you could find yourself. If you need to change path, B Lab Global needs to do it for you. You can’t do it yourself. That’s why B Lab Global wants to get your organisation on the right path and help you avoid backtracking and unnecessary rework. Initial scoping to determine the certification approach, through to a preliminary risk review, risk screening and eligibility review all come before starting your BIA. This is where a B Consultant like The Growth Activists can help you navigate the complexity of B Corp certification. We’ll act as your mentor, put you on the best certification pathway, and offer guidance to achieve the outcome you want. What to expect on your B Corp certification pathway B Corp certification is a complex process. It takes an average of six to 12 months from initial assessment to submission. Through the BIA, you will need to achieve a minimum of 80 points prior to submitting to B Lab Global. At that point, a formal verification and audit will be undertaken by B Lab Global to verify all claims and points via documentation and evidence from you. As a large business, if you choose to certify you will pay fees for the steps supported by B Lab Global (steps 1-8 as detailed below). You’ll also pay for support from B Consultants like The Growth Activists. Our clients tell us this is still more cost effective than hiring a team, or diverting key people, to do the work. Understanding your B Corp certification pathway The Growth Activists can help guide you through an 11-step B Corp certification pathway. Here’s an overview of the process: Stage Stage Description Role 1 Discovery and Initial Scoping To determine the certification approach based on size, structure and operations. 2 Presentation from B Lab ANZ A detailed, tailored presentation to the company and discussion of what is involved towards B Corp certification. 3 Application and Preliminary Risk Review Completion and submission of the application, payment of fee, followed by preliminary risk review. 4 Risk Screen A deeper risk screen if determined necessary for companies that potentially operate in a controversial or sensitive industry. 5 Eligibility Review Evaluation of issues identified in the risk screen to decide on eligibility for B Corp certification. 6 Full Scoping Comprehensive analysis of the business to determine the number of BIAs, the scope of each BIA, the legal entities required to fulfill the legal requirement, and other implications. 7 BIA Performance Consultation An optional consultation with a B Lab Senior Business Analyst for customised advice. We find that companies gain value from this and we guide them through it, often taking on the load for them. 8 Assessment and improvement This is the point when you complete your BIA and submit. You need at least 80 points to submit. On average, it can take six to 12 months to get to this point. 9 Verification Your BIA is reviewed by a Business Sustainability Analyst from the Certification & Verification Team 10 Certification You sign B Corp Agreement and Declaration of Interdependence after Verification and you progress to adopt the legal requirement to change your governing documents within the required time frame. The details vary depending on the country of the legal entity that is certifying for the enterprise 11 Continuous improvement In order to recertify every three years, it’s important to stay on top of changing standards. You’ll need to be ready with further improvements when you renew in year three. The Growth Activists is an experienced B Consultant. We’re here to support organisations through the complex B Corp certification process with the right advice for your business. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help.
