Pending B Corps

Pending B Corp status is designed to give start-ups and smaller companies time to prepare for the rigorous process of full B Corp Certification. Taking this step signals to current and future investors that a company measures and manages its social and environmental performance with the best tools available. It also demonstrates strong governance as the company must adopt a legal framework to protect mission and brand equity.

Becoming a Pending B Corp is not the same as becoming a Certified B Corp. Pending B Corp status is finite; after being in operation* for a period of time determined by the regional B Lab or Sistema B organization, a company must go through the full verification process with B Lab. However, the Pending B Corp status can give companies a head start by taking these initial steps.

*Check out this article from our Knowledge Base for clarity on what constitutes “in operation.”

PENDING B CORP REQUIREMENTS

• Meet the legal accountability requirement for B Corp Certification Note: Companies in regions without a legal framework are not eligible for Pending B Corp status.

• Complete and submit a prospective B Impact Assessment

• Sign the Pending B Corp agreement and pay a one-time fee

As B Lab continues to evolve the B Corp Certification to meet the needs of our growing global community and align with emerging regulatory environments, we are announcing a transition plan for the Pending B offering. This transition allows us to focus entirely on supporting all companies as they move toward the new B Lab Standards (V2.1).

Key Dates for Your Planning

• Final Submissions: The final date to submit for certification on the Version 1.6 Standards, including for Pending B Corp status, will be in March 2026. 

• September 26, 2026:  The final date B Lab will issue a Pending B Corp status

If you have questions, please contact your regional B Lab or Sistema B organization for more information.