FAQ's Building Better Business 2025

Q: Are there companies that fit more with the Economy for the Common Good (ECG) certification criteria and others that better match the B Corp criteria?

A: Not necessarily. However, only private companies are eligible to apply for the B Corp track, whereas any organisation can apply for the ECG track.

Q: Is Building Better Business only accessible to companies from the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area?

A: Your business can be based anywhere, as long as it has a registered office in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.

Q: What is the added value of participating in the BBB programme versus obtaining the certification independently? 

A: During BBB, you will receive expert support, guidance, and tools and learn alongside like-minded peers. A BBB track guides you on the path to becoming certified while also helping you create a more sustainable and socially impactful company, providing examples of other companies that have participated previously, and assisting you in developing a new framework for your existing company or organisation to maximize impact. Additionally, you will gain access to inspirational events and the City of Amsterdam's extensive network.

Q: Can two people from my company join the programme?

A: Absolutely! Please ensure that one of you is a decision-maker on impact, sustainability, or supply chain management. Every participating organisation or company has a maximum of two representatives.

Q: How many companies joined the programme in the first 2 cohorts? 

A: Around 25 companies joined per cohort. 

Q: How do I sign up?

A: Please apply here before 16 May.

Q: How much does the whole certification process cost?

A: This depends on company size and turnover. Please check the B Lab Benelux and ECG websites for the relevant certification costs.

Q: How much time does the whole certification process take?

A: It depends on the complexity of your organisation, but this can be a long-term process since you need to formalise your impact goals. We encourage you to view it as an investment that helps you accelerate and manage your positive impact on people and the planet.

Q: Is getting certified as a B Corp and an ECG company possible?

A: Yes! You can also join both tracks during the BBB programme, provided that you fully attend both tracks.

Q: What are the differences between the B Corp track and the ECG track?A: Read more about the differences between the two tracks here.

Q: Does participating in the Building Better Business program automatically lead to certification?A: No, participating in the BBB program does not automatically result in a B Corp or ECG certificate. Building Better Business helps you on your way to certification, but that process often takes longer than the few months of the BBB program. With Building Better Business, you receive a clear roadmap to enhance the social and environmental value of your business—without losing commercial strength—while also getting guidance towards certification.

Q: Does recertification also fall under this program?

A: No, this program is specifically intended for participants who have not yet certified. We cover the steps necessary to achieve first-time certification. If you are already certified, you have already completed these steps.

Q: How many participants from previous editions have obtained certification?

Of the participants in previous editions, 20% have achieved ECG certification, and 33% have obtained B Corp certification. We observe that the certification process requires time, and some organizations halt the process when there are changes in management. It’s not an easy process; the standards are high. Certification requires commitment and leadership.

Sign up here for Building Better Business 2025! Still have questions? Join a Q&A session or get in touch with us.