This course empowers organizations that work with SMEs to support them by unpacking the concepts of environmental, social, and governance while providing essential tools and insights to drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly shaping how businesses operate and interact with society. Although ESG is often associated with large corporations, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are also identifying benefits for their business, their workers, and the environment in which they are operating. At present, SMEs are facing growing expectations from suppliers, clients, customers, and new government regulations that reference ESG principles or related standards. Understanding ESG-an acronym for Environmental, Social, and Governance-is crucial in this context. ESG represents the key elements that define and operationalize a sustainable enterprise, but it should not be seen as a rigid framework or a specific standard. Against this background, SMEs need to manage their relevant ESG factors, including social issues such as working conditions, business relationships, and community engagement, along with environmental aspects like energy use, water consumption, and waste management. Additionally, businesses must navigate ethical considerations related to integrity, fraud, and corruption. ESG integration presents both challenges and opportunities for SMEs. Limited resources, lack of expertise, inconsistent regulations and diverging or cloudy expectations can hinder their ability to adopt sustainable practices. On the other hand, embracing ESG as an additional business management layer can improve competitiveness, productivity, and access to finance. In this evolving landscape, intermediary organizations with a mandate for enterprise development both from the public and the private sector, including financial institutions can play a key role. They are essential in guiding and advising SMEs on ESG compliance, risk management, and reporting, helping them integrate sustainability into their operations and leverage ESG for growth. Participants will gain an overview of essential topics, discussions, programs, initiatives, and tools that shape ESG's impact on SMEs. This course aims to equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to support SMEs in embracing ESG, ensuring their long-term success in a rapidly changing global market.
This course is designed for organizations and individuals supporting SMEs, such as: - SME support agencies. - Business development service providers. - Business membership organizations. - Financial service providers. - Export promotion agencies. - Other agencies and development partners involved in supporting SMEs