Worcester Business Journal

20 Worcester Business Journal | September 7, 2026 | wbjournal.com BY LILLIAN JUAREZ Special to WBJ B ecoming a Certified B Corporation can require months of work, legal changes, and buy-in throughout a company. Despite the demanding process, business leaders who have pursued the designation say the payoff can make the effort worthwhile. Interest in B Corp certification has grown, particularly in Boston, which is home to more than 70 certified companies. e growth is part of a broader movement among businesses seeking to demonstrate their com- mitment to social and environmental goals alongside financial performance. at effort has now spread to Cen- tral Massachusetts, which is home to six B Corps. "It's a movement, so why not be a part of the movement?" said Matthew Boyle, partner at Westborough ac- counting firm AAFCPAs, the largest B Corp in Central Massachusetts. What is a B Corp? Since 2006, the international non- profit B Lab has certified for-profit companies meeting standards for so- cial and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Companies of varying sizes can pursue the designation. To become a Certified B Corporation, a business must achieve a minimum verified score through B Lab's B Impact Assessment, with its performance independently audited and verified by a third party. e process can require companies to examine and change how they operate. Going through certification AAFCPA had operated for more than 50 years before becoming certi- fied in December. e financial and advisory services firm works with businesses, nonprof- its, and individuals. e months-long certification process was challenging, but pursuing the designation felt like a natural fit because much of AAFCPA's mission already aligned with B Corp standards, Boyle said. "Instead of just doing [business] on our own, let's join this movement of like-minded companies who believe that you can do well by doing good and be part of a movement," Boyle said. "It's very inspiring to join other like-minded companies who believe in the same things that you believe." Earning certification required more than demonstrating AAFCPA's exist- ing practices. e firm had to register as a benefit corporation in Massachu- setts, work with a legal team, and gain support throughout the company. Jim Olson, co-founder and prin- cipal at creative consulting company e Experience Alchemists, went through a similar process before his firm earned certification in April 2024. Before starting e Experience Alchemists, Olson and his partners spent four years working for a public benefit corporation that gave back to the community. "is is a better future for the way businesses could be run," Olson said. Olson has since joined the leader- ship group of B Local Boston, which facilitates meetings among members PHOTO | EDD COTE Doing well by doing good Matthew Boyle of AAFCPAs says the arduous process of obtaining and renewing B Corp. status is worth it, as it reminds the company of its values and helps with culture and recruiting. Central Mass. is home to six companies who have become Certified B Corporations F O C U S LAW & ACCOUNTING

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