B Corp certification is considered a viable instrument to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting sustainable practices. However, there is a lack of evidence to what extent this instrument can anchor sustainability at the core of SMEs. This study investigates the B Corp certification process of a SME, a craft brewery in southern Sweden, regarding the extent to which it helped infusing sustainability into the business’ mission, practices, corporate form, certificates, and capacities. Results show that the B Impact Assessment, as part of the certification process, positively influenced the business’ mission, practices, and capacities. Limited influence on social commitment and adoption of a sustainable corporate form can be explained through regulatory context and time required for deep organizational change. To enhance the effectiveness of B Corp certification, we recommend making it even more adaptable to different geographical and social contexts and increase focus on impact business models.

中文翻译：

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B Corp 认证能否在中小企业中锚定可持续性？

B Corp 认证被认为是支持中小型企业 (SME) 采用可持续实践的可行工具。然而，缺乏证据表明该工具能在多大程度上将可持续性锚定在中小企业的核心。本研究调查了瑞典南部一家精酿啤酒厂 SME 的 B Corp 认证过程，了解它在多大程度上帮助将可持续性融入企业的使命、实践、公司形式、证书和能力。结果表明，作为认证过程的一部分，B 影响评估对企业的使命、实践和能力产生了积极影响。对社会承诺和采用可持续公司形式的有限影响可以通过监管环境和深度组织变革所需的时间来解释。