An advice I’ve received that really resonated was, “start before you’re ready.” You won’t have all the answers at first, but as you progress, the path will be clearer and clearer. Don’t be afraid to ask your suppliers and partners questions; B Corp has a lot of resources, and they have a vibrant network of enthusiastic companies. Start a framework, and eventually it’ll grow. And I promise it gets easier along the way.
Don’t seek out B Corp just for the certification. It must be a core part of your company’s values and something that resonates with every stakeholder. You’ll need to have a board of directors and investors that support you in this process. Make sure to include this process in your annual budget, since you’ll need external support. You should create a team that will be responsible for shepherding the project with a dedicated leader that can support a company-wide project. Also, make sure to have an executive sponsor who can provide support along the way—special thanks to Alexandre Guimond, co-CEO, for fulfilling that role in our process.