We’re thrilled to share our latest report, which examines the financial performance and resilience of Certified B Corps across seven European countries. This study builds on previous research from B Lab Global, diving into how purpose-driven businesses fare in Europe’s competitive economy. Not a data expert? Don’t worry—here’s a quick breakdown of the key takeaways and a few case studies that bring the numbers to life.
In a world where shareholder capitalism often prioritizes profit over all else, Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are charting a new course. Instead of maximizing profits for shareholders, B Corps redefine success by serving all stakeholders—employees, communities, and the planet—while staying financially healthy as for-profit companies.
With new EU regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) entering into force, transparency and accountability are becoming essential for businesses. This research highlights how B Corps, with their rigorous impact and financial reporting via the B Impact Assessment, serve as a proof of concept for stakeholder governance. They show that businesses can thrive financially while committing to the well-being of people and the planet, paving the way for a sustainable European economy at scale.
This study focuses on the financial performance and resilience of B Corps in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. By examining how these impact-driven companies thrive in diverse economic contexts, it provides valuable insights into scaling sustainable business models across Europe.
Becoming a B Corp isn’t just about profitability; it’s about committing to a broader mission of serving stakeholders—employees, communities, and the planet—while staying financially strong. B Corps challenge the conventional profit-first business model, putting purpose at the heart of their operations.
Our study shows that this commitment doesn’t come at the expense of financial performance. In fact, B Corps prove that businesses can thrive financially while driving positive impact.
Between 2019 and 2022, 76% of B Corps in our study reported revenue growth, compared to only 60% of non-B Corps. These findings highlight that balancing purpose and profit is not only possible—it’s a competitive advantage.
Job creation is another area where B Corps shine. In the same period, 35% of B Corps grew their workforce by more than 25%, compared to just 23% of non-B Corps. Even during challenging economic times, B Corps continued to expand their teams, proving their resilience and ability to adapt.
The pandemic posed significant challenges for businesses across Europe, but B Corps stood out. They were more likely to remain operational during the crisis, showcasing their resilience and ability to navigate uncertainty. This stability reflects the strength of the B Corp model, which prioritizes long-term value over short-term gains.
The success of B Corps can be attributed to their focus on purpose-driven leadership and stakeholder engagement. This mission-first mindset not only fosters trust among employees and customers but also drives resilience and innovation.
