What is a benefit corporation?

A benefit corporation is a for-profit business that has made a legal commitment to more than just making money. It is a business structure, recognized by most U.S. states, that requires companies to consider how their business decisions affect people and the planet, not just their bottom line. In a traditional corporation, shareholders are typically prioritized. A benefit corporation legally requires consideration of employees, customers, community, and the environment in business decisions.

What is the difference between a B Corp and a benefit corporation?

A benefit corporation is a legal business structure, like an LLC or a sole proprietorship, created by filing paperwork with a state. A B Corp is a certification issued by the nonprofit B Lab after a review of a company's social and environmental practices. Benefit Corporations for Good certification is also a third-party certification, similar to B Corp, but built with small businesses in mind. BCFG is one of only four standards recognized by the Oregon Secretary of State and is the only one based in Oregon.

Why did we start Benefit Corporations for Good?

Benefit Corporations for Good was created because small businesses deserve a way to prove what they stand for. Many purpose-driven business owners are already doing right by their people and their community, but need a trusted and recognizable way to show it. BCFG was created as a certification that is meaningful enough to matter while being built for real small businesses, not only large companies with full-time sustainability teams.

Who is certification for?

Certification is for small businesses that care about their employees, their neighborhood, and the wider world they operate in. Certified businesses include law firms, solar companies, marketing agencies, wine bars, and other industries. Applicants do not need to be perfect, but they need to be serious about their commitment. The process includes a 60-question assessment across eight standards, followed by a short interview. For businesses with five or fewer full-time equivalent employees, the fee is $299.

How To Become a Certified Benefit Corporation

Get Certified as a Benefit Corporation.

For many small businesses, traditional certification systems can feel expensive, time-consuming, or built primarily for larger organizations. BCFG was created to provide a more accessible B Corp alternative for purpose-driven companies that still want meaningful accountability and third-party credibility.

Our certification can be described as accessible, straightforward, and built around the values you're already living. It's not a months-long audit. It's a structured, supported first step that gives you third-party recognition for the commitment you've already made to People, Planet, and Profit.

Not sure if you're ready? Start with our free, 2-minute values alignment quiz.

If you're ready to go, the process begins with a 60-question online questionnaire — and we'll be with you every step of the way.

As one of just four standards recognized by the Oregon Secretary of State — and the only one based in Oregon — we've helped dozens of businesses across 13 states take this first real step

I’VE GOT A FEW QUESTIONS TO ASK

I’M READY TO GET CERTIFIED NOW

Those businesses that meet certification:

Receive a "Benefit Corporations for Good" certified digital badge for use on your website, online communications, and branded materials.
Receive a personalized Certification Evaluation Summary Report — a confidential document prepared by a BCFG senior evaluator for your leadership team. Your report includes a scored breakdown across all eight Benefit Corporation standards, highlighted strengths drawn from your self-assessment, evaluator commentary, and a prioritized action plan to help you grow your impact year over year. It's not just a score — it's a roadmap built around your business.
Get a digital copy certificate ascertaining "Benefit Corporations for Good Certified."
Receive 30 minutes of consulting time from a senior principal to assist you in actualizing and improving the principles of benefit corporations.
Receive special offers from other BCFGs.
Attend members-only quarterly Happy Hours for Good to meet other BCFG leaders.
Participate in workshops designed specifically for purpose-driven leaders.
Gain access to ongoing educational forums and materials regarding benefit companies and benefit corporations.
Get reminders about annual recertification and mandatory submission of an annual benefit report, and access to services to help you comply.

*In alignment with our values, Benefit Corporations for Good does not offer certification to businesses selling or practicing:

—Environmental degradation

—Fossil fuel products or services

—Gambling

—Guns or ammunition products

—Human Rights violations

—Racist policies

—Sexual exploitation

—Sexual orientation discrimination

I'M READY TO GET CERTIFIED NOW

I'VE GOT A FEW QUESTIONS TO ASK

Get Certified.

Get Certified as a Benefit Corporation.

Those businesses that meet certification: