| Initial Scoping | Not required | Optional contact with B Lab | Encouraged Discovery Phase | Mandatory Discovery/Scoping with B Lab |
| BIA Score Requirement | 80+ points | 80+ points | 80+ points | 80+ points with higher scrutiny |
| Legal Requirement Timing | Before certification (if <50 employees) | Within 2 years if >50 employees | Within 2 years if >50 employees | Complex multi-entity implementation |
| Transparency Obligation | Score only (basic public profile) | Score only (limited disclosure) | Score + limited BIA answers | Full BIA answer transparency (non-sensitive) |
| Disclosure Review | Standard Disclosure Questionnaire | Standard Disclosure Questionnaire | Disclosure + light due diligence | Enhanced: background + public scrutiny |
| Timeline Duration | 3–12 months | 6–24 months | 12–24+ months | 18–36+ months |
| Evaluation Depth | Basic review; limited structural complexity | Moderate (some structure review) | Expanded structure/track validation | Full structure, IBM, industry, legal review |
| Documentation Volume | Light (manual documentation possible) | Moderate (HR + suppliers) | Detailed (global HR, finance, supply) | Extensive (multi-site, global data) |
| B Team Structure | Often a team of one or shared roles | Core team with shared roles | Dedicated leads by function | Centralized program office + local champions |
| Internal Communication Strategy | Basic awareness-building; founder-led | Function-focused updates | Integrated across functions | Enterprise-wide strategy integration |
| Recertification Practice | Start 6 months ahead | Start 6–12 months ahead | Start 12–18 months ahead | Ongoing; use BIA as governance tool |
| Supply Chain Influence | Minimal; usually reactive not strategic | Some influence, growing | Established influence across vendor tiers | Global supply chain alignment standard |
| Use of B Corp Logo | Used across brand if same entity | May apply across brands if practices align | Subsidiary branding allowed if verified | Strict controls; branding per certified entity only |
