Being a B Corp in Quebec
Having achieved B Corp certification at the end of 2023 as a business consultancy, it’s not necessarily being certified that has made us change the way we see and do business, but rather the whole journey taken to achieve it.
What is B Corp certification?
To begin with, B Corp certification, which stands for Beneficial Corporation, is an international certification awarded to for-profit companies that meet high standards in terms of ESG factors. It is based on a rigorous assessment conducted by the non-profit organization B Lab.
- Certified B Corp companies stand out for their strong commitment to society and the planet.
- To obtain certification, you need to answer a 200-question questionnaire and score at least 80 points.
- This certification is granted for two years, and requires continuous improvement to be maintained.
This certification becomes an invaluable tool for reconciling objectives and profits, and for positioning companies as key players in sustainable development.
Become a B Corp business consulting firm
Expert support proved invaluable in our certification process. Their in-depth expertise in the B Lab criteria enabled us to optimize our time and resources. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the process, we were able to :
- Effectively meet established deadlines
- Avoid common mistakes that could have slowed our progress
- Organizing our documentation strategically
- Methodically adapt our practices to the required standards
This strategic collaboration enabled us to move forward in a focused and efficient way, rather than by trial and error. Our investment in this professional support has resulted in faster, better-structured certification.
We’d like to share with you some of what we’ve learned along the way, so that you can hopefully join us in the change. And, who knows, maybe some points will help you shine where we (in all humility) had more difficulty doing so.
Certification that impacts everything and everyone
The period leading up to B Corp certification changed our way of doing things, our vision, and even our corporate culture. Not that we were completely off the mark, but we still had to make changes, and these changes had to start with us, internally. If we want to have a positive impact on our employees, our customers, our community and beyond, it’s always best to shine by example. Of course, we’re still not perfect, but we improve our processes and our vision every year, in order to keep this certification. After all, it’s one thing to get it, it’s another to keep it!
A social mission for the community
We were already making a small number of cash donations each year, and that was one thing, but with B Corp, we had to get involved beyond the monetary value. We had to find a way of concretely participating in change, and we opted for a social mission. A mission that should be applied in all our places of business, on the same scale.
Putting our talents to good use well– of our communities
Our mission is to help various organizations and communities with their own missions. That’s why we’ve donated our staff’s time to various organizations, and we intend to continue doing so.
Spread the word about the new
Another major challenge, with some 300 employees and several places of business, is to spread the word and rally the troops. It’s a big challenge to make everyone aware of the significance of certification, and to get them to understand the implications and the new standards. Keeping this certification and making it shine is teamwork: individual and organizational involvement.
Choosing to go for a clear certification like B Corp also had an impact on the company’s strategic and operational decisions. Among other things, we had to think about how to integrate a block of 3 hours into all employees’ schedules to lend a hand to various organizations, especially considering that we had implemented the 4-day week, 6 months a year since July 2022. It wasn’t easy, but we managed.
B Corp certification is more than just recognition: it’s a transformative journey that’s redefining the way we do business in Quebec. Our experience has shown us that this approach positively influences every aspect of the organization, from corporate culture to operational practices and community involvement. The implementation of a concrete social mission and the active involvement of our employees testify to our determination to create a lasting positive impact.
As the B Corp movement continues to grow in Quebec, with over 150 companies certified, the time is right for your organization to join this committed community. Contact us today to find out how we can accompany you on your own journey towards B Corp certification, and contribute together to building a more inclusive and responsible economy.
More questions? We have the answer.
Do B Corp's exist in Canada?
Yes, B Corp’s are well established in Canada and are experiencing remarkable growth. Canada currently boasts over 970 certified B Corp companies, representing nearly 11% of certified companies worldwide. Quebec stands out in particular, with over 150 certified companies, making the province one of the fastest-growing regions in North America, just behind California.
Notable Canadian organizations to have achieved this certification include: BDC (first financial institution to be certified in Canada in 2013). From local SMEs to large national corporations, B Corp certification distinguishes itself from other certifications through its holistic approach, assessing a company’s overall impact on society and the environment, rather than focusing on a single aspect. In Canada, the movement is supported by B Lab U.S. & Canada, which offers resources and guidance to companies seeking certification.
Why become a B Corp?
Becoming a B Corp offers many strategic and operational advantages:
- Attracting and retaining talent: Certification facilitates recruitment, particularly among younger generations sensitive to ESG values
- Enhanced credibility and reputation: Certification offers globally-recognized legitimacy in terms of social and environmental commitment
- Business benefits:
- Access to the B Corp community and new business opportunities
- Competitive differentiation
- Meeting the ESG requirements of major customers
- Optimized performance:
- Continuous improvement of business practices
- Structured framework for measuring social and environmental impact
- Better ESG risk management
- Employee engagement:
- Strengthening corporate culture
- Increased mobilization of teams around a common mission
- Sense of pride and belonging
Beyond these tangible benefits, B Corp certification enables you to join a movement of committed companies that are redefining business success by balancing profit with positive impact on society.
What are B Corp companies?
We can think of :
- idehō
- RHUM Human Resources
- bdc
- Gestisoft
- Lareau assurances
- Nestled
- Cool & Simple
- Dancause
- Kotmo
- Coboom
- or Gen V, to name but a few.
Find all B Corp companies in Quebec here.