BCFG Certification Standards Explained
When you apply for BCFG certification, you’re not graded on a single checklist item you’re evaluated across 8 standards that together describe what it looks like for a small business to operate with real accountability to people, planet, and profit.
What are the BCFG certification standards?
The 8 standards are the categories BCFG uses to evaluate every applicant, regardless of industry or size. Each one looks at a different part of how a business actually operates not just what it says in a mission statement, but what it does day to day. Together, they’re what separates a business that talks about doing good from one that can demonstrate it.
The 8 standards at a glance
Conscientious Leadership: Transparency, ethical management, and team member empowerment
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): Diverse hiring, inclusive vendors, and ongoing learning
Green/Environmental Practices: Reducing carbon footprint and building sustainability practices
Values of Benefit Corporations: Alignment with benefit corporation legal requirements and UN SDGs
Strategic Business Practices: Strategic planning, brand purpose and values alignment
Community Engagement: Volunteering, board service, and giving back to the community
Customer-Driven: Responsiveness, accessibility, and customer input
Work-Life Balance & Sustainability: Financial sustainability alongside team wellbeing
How does evaluation work?
Every applicant completes the same questionnaire, and BCFG evaluates the evidence you provide against all 8 standards. Members of the BCFG community often compare notes on what counts as good evidence for a given standard you don’t have to figure it out alone, especially if this is your first time through the process.
Where does BCFG fit?
These standards are how BCFG puts the Triple Bottom Line of people, planet, and profit into something you can actually be evaluated against. As BCFG puts it: the first benefit isn’t profit, it’s purpose with proof. The standards are what “proof” means in practice.
While BCFG is based in Oregon, these same 8 standards apply no matter which state your business is organized in. They’re about how you operate, not where you’re incorporated.
Ready to learn more?
Explore each standard in depth, or jump straight to certification if you’re ready to apply. Not sure where you’d land? Take the free assessment quiz first.
Ready to learn more?
See the why and the how for becoming an Oregon Benefit Company, or learn what criteria BCFG certification is based upon.