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.

Is Benefit Corporation Certification Worth It for a Solo or Micro Business?

Benefit Corporation leaders gathering at Happy Hour for Good.

It can be and small scale is often an advantage rather than a drawback. A solo owner or a team of a few people can show clear, documented practices without the layers of a large organization, and BCFG was built for exactly this size. For the full picture, start with our guide to whether certification is worth it.

Why would a solo or micro business certify?

When there are only a few people behind a business, customers are buying from you personally. Third-party certification gives them a reason to trust what you say about your values, without taking your word alone. The BCFG badge puts that proof on your website and materials.

Is certification affordable at this size?

BCFG’s fee is $299 for businesses with five or fewer full-time employees. The questionnaire is online, and BCFG supports you through it. Read the full breakdown of cost and what you get.

What will the standards ask of a very small business?

The same 8 standards apply to every applicant, but a small business shows them in small-business ways. A sole proprietor might document how they treat clients and vendors, how they give back locally, and how they protect their own sustainability and wellbeing. You’re not expected to have a formal HR department to show strong leadership or work-life practices.

Where does BCFG fit?

BCFG’s Triple Bottom Line of people, planet, and profit works at any size. For a solo business, it’s a way to turn values you already hold into something verifiable. The standards aren’t Oregon-specific solo and micro businesses certify from any state.

Ready to learn more?

Not sure you’re ready? Take the free assessment quiz first, or start certification. Members of the BCFG community include many small teams who can show what documentation looks like at this scale.

Related guides

Is benefit corporation certification worth it? — the overview for any small business.
What does BCFG certification cost? — fees, what’s included, and the return.
How long does certification take? — from questionnaire to certified.
Benefit Corporation for Small Business — why the structure fits small teams.