Sustainable SME's – Together, we make sustainability reporting understandable and useful

Sustainable SMEs

The EU’s new legislation on sustainability reporting and taxonomy can be a challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Many simply lack the time or resources to meet all the requirements. The Sustainable SMEs project aims to support SMEs in the bioeconomy and manufacturing industries by developing, testing, and sharing solutions and best practices for sustainability reporting. This will help businesses strengthen their competitiveness, reach new markets, and contribute to sustainable growth.

The project focuses on three main areas:

1. Engaging and inspiring SMEs and their stakeholders in sustainability work

At the start of the project, we map the current state of sustainability reporting and identify challenges among participating companies. This is done through interviews and collaborative workshops. At the same time, we aim to increase awareness of sustainability and reporting by organizing webinars and other events.

2. Developing and testing sustainability reporting solutions

Once we have a clearer picture of the current situation and have sparked interest among SMEs, the project moves on to selecting and testing different solutions that best suit their needs. These may include tools, methods, or best practices. Companies then get the chance to try them out together with their stakeholders. Both existing tools and new ones developed during the project will be piloted – such as training materials in data analysis, a guide to generative AI, and a handbook for SMEs on sustainability reporting.

3. Creating long-term impact

After the pilot phase, the most effective solutions will be shared across the wider NPA programme area, enabling more companies to benefit. In addition, SMEs facing specific challenges with sustainability reporting will be offered tailored mentoring.

The goal of the project is to provide SMEs with the knowledge and tools they need to meet customer demands for sustainability reporting – both now and in the future. At the same time, the project helps them understand upcoming EU legislation. In this way, Sustainable SMEs supports more companies in taking the step towards the green transition.

Project funders: