Climate-Proofing SMEs

Acumen is a global force of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators working together to build a world based on dignity. We invest in transformational SMEs, build sustainable markets, and prepare leaders with the tools they need to create a more just and inclusive future. Since 2001, we have invested in over 215 portfolio companies and impacted over 648 million lives. In the next five years, Acumen will scale our climate adaptation support for founders, entrepreneurs, and SMEs working in agriculture. By 2030, we aim to reach 40 million smallholder farmers.

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A CEO-led community committed to raising bold climate ambition and accelerating the net zero transition by setting science-based targets, disclosing emissions and catalysing decarbonization and partnerships across global value chains. The Alliance has launched a voluntary Scope 3 Upstream Action Plan as guidance for its members to bolster action and work towards achieving Scope 3 upstream targets. In addition, it also launched the Net Zero Value Chain Support Hub as a one-stop shop for procurement teams and suppliers to guide their supply chain decarbonization.

ANDE is a global network of organizations that propel entrepreneurship in developing economies. ANDE is the leading voice of the small and growing business sector, with nearly 300 member organizations in ANDE’s network who work in over 150 countries and support nearly 200,000 SGBs each year. ANDE believes small businesses are crucial for scaling environmental solutions and fostering resilient economies. ANDE supports members to have the tools and information needed to take action on climate change.

The SME Sustainability Data Taskforce, convened by B4NZ, is an innovative programme of work bringing together government, financial institutions, corporates and SMEs to align on comparable and interoperable sustainability and GHG emissions reporting framework for SMEs, to reduce the burden that fragmented and complex disclosure requirements currently place upon SMEs. Our internationally aligned baseline will allow SMEs to go further, faster; it will inform investment decisions, enable targeted decarbonisation interventions, reduce reporting burdens for SMEs and unlock green finance.

“We are convening an SME Data Taskforce, in collaboration with the Net Zero Council (backed by Dep for Energy Security ) with the aim of creating a clear set of recommendations to government in order to streamline SME data requests and provide consistency and coverage of data. There is now an urgent need to streamline reporting burdens pushed down to SMEs, as well as unlock access to sustainable finance at scale which is required for green growth. Our, market backed, innovative approach prioritises an ‘SME first’ approach to high quality data collection and disclosure, enabling SMEs to share their data in a comparable and interoperable way between requestors, and will allow SMEs to develop targeted decarbonisation interventions unlock green finance opportunities and incentives” — Hannah Cool, COO, B4NZ

B Lab is transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates standards, policies, and tools for business, and we certify companies — known as B Corps — who are leading the way. To date, our community includes over 922,000 workers in over 9,400 B Corps across 105 countries and 160 industries, and more than 280,000 companies manage their impact with the B Impact Assessment and the SDG Action Manager.

"Small and medium enterprises are at the heart of our global economy and make up the vast majority of our B Corp community. They are creating jobs, driving innovation, and building resilient communities every day. That's why B Lab is proud to join Race to Zero's SME Climate Proofing Campaign. When we empower these businesses with the tools and knowledge to take ambitious climate action, we're not just addressing emissions, we're catalyzing the systems change needed to build an economy that works for all people and the planet. – Sarah Schwimmer, Co-CEO, B Lab Global.

Resource: B Lab Standards

The Centre for Climate Engagement at Hughes Hall plays a unique role in bringing leading academic research to chairs and non-executive directors of SMEs and businesses of all sizes to accelerate climate leadership. The Centre develops insights based on academic expertise from across the University of Cambridge and the wider research community, together with independent expertise from the business sector. It supports new areas of research particularly relevant for board members, with a focus on climate law, governance, and organizational change.

“Board-level understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with climate change is pivotal to addressing the challenge in a timely manner and requires every available tool at our disposal across every business in the economy. That’s why CCE supports the COP29 HLC Climate-Proofing SME campaign, and urges academics working in areas related to climate change to get involved and share their research.” — Emily Farnworth, Director of the Centre for Climate Engagement, Hughes Hall

CDP’s new SME questionnaire serves as a unique data source driving effective financing decisions, identifying challenges and gaps, and harmonizing expectations and best practices via standardized reporting and scoring. CDP will work closely with SME stakeholders across regions and launch materials based on needs in 2025. The questionnaire is underpinned by key programmes such as CDP’s Supply Chain & Banks programmes, driving SME engagement. Post-2024 disclosure cycle, CDP will establish the first-of-its-kind SME Dataset, providing new insights into SME sustainability action, and will launch the SME A-List in 2025.

“We cannot build a healthy planet without healthy SMEs, the backbone of our global economy. CDP is proud to be a partner in this important campaign and to be stepping up our own efforts to better support and empower SMEs across major and emerging markets. Our new dedicated SME disclosure questionnaire is making it easier for small businesses to understand where to focus their attention, build capacity and act. More and better data on SMEs means more informed decision-making, financing and action in support of a successful transition.” — Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP

The CIFAR Alliance focuses on accelerating climate adaptation and resilience for vulnerable communities. It will now prioritize two areas (1) Inclusive Climate Finance: Enabling financial service providers (FSPs) to innovate and scale products like CLOCs and emergency loans, improving resilience for vulnerable SMEs. A learning agenda will explore challenges SMEs face with climate change; (2) Finance for Climate Innovation: Supporting emerging solutions through programs like TECA and Catalyst Fund, identifying funding gaps, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem to sustain impactful climate tech solutions.

Climate Group builds powerful networks of business and government, speeding up collective action to drive down emissions fast in energy, transport, food and heavy industry. Our campaigns SteelZero and ConcreteZero bring SMEs alongside major corporations to drive demand for net zero solutions from organisations across the value chain, including designers, specifiers, stockers and consultancies, as well as direct buyers of these materials. The Under2 Coalition focuses on the critical role of state and regional governments in driving decarbonisation, often in close collaboration with SMEs.

We work with many of the largest companies in the world with ambitious goals to decarbonise. They recognise the critical role of SMEs in achieving their objectives, because their commitments to reduce Scope 3 emissions means they are turning to their supply chains for innovative lower carbon products and services, as well as supporting SMEs capacity to reduce operational emissions. RE100 members in Asia for example, are already doing this to meet European CBAM-regulations. The decarbonisation of SMEs is not just about driving down emissions, it’s about their ability to prosper in competitive global markets – if they don’t make the transition, they run the risk of being left behind.” — Helen Clarkson, CEO, Climate Group

Resources: Climate Group | Industry & Under2 Coalition

C40 is a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive. Through the City-Business Climate Alliance Forum, C40 facilitates peer exchange between cities collaborating with the private sector on climate goals. The Forum hosts discussions, shares resources, and provides strategies for engaging SMEs, capturing best practices from cities that support SMEs in the transition. Engaging with SMEs is crucial for urban resilience and a just transition in our cities.

“Urban climate action is a catalyst for innovation and employment and an opportunity to boost the economy and improve equity and quality of life for people. SMEs are the backbone of the economy for many of our cities, so ensuring their inclusion in the transition is a key local issue. C40 is proud to support the Climate-Proofing SME campaign, to call for more support and action for local SME engagement efforts to ensure a just transition.” — Mark Watts, Executive Director, C40

REAP brings together an unprecedented range of stakeholders across the climate, humanitarian and development, public and private sector communities to make people safer from disasters. Despite the mounting impacts of climate change, one in three people are still not adequately covered by early warning systems, and early and anticipatory approaches – enabling action in advance of hazards striking – are not implemented at the scale required. We are beginning to develop sensemaking around the role of private sector actors and SMEs in their ability and position to contribute to this change.

“There is still so much to be understood about the role of the private sector, particularly SMEs, in aiding and supporting climate adaptation and resilience. By aligning sectoral opportunities across diverse actors and organisations, we can begin to get ahead of climate change and climate-related disasters.” — Ben Webster, Head of Secretariat, REAP

EDF's Net Zero Action Accelerator provides free resources for companies to achieve their climate goals in their operations and supply chains. It offers trainings to suppliers of large companies, some of which are SMEs. It also has provided some of our web resources, including EDF science-backed guidance, to organizations like the SME Climate Hub, to enhance their SME resource offerings. It is happy to collaborate and support other organizations SME targeted efforts.

Companies of all sizes can drive value and reduce risk by taking action on climate. SMEs play a critical role in reducing global emissions and equipping them with the right resources strengthens their competitiveness in a rapidly evolving landscape" says Lea Borkenhagen, SVP at Environmental Defense Fund.

Giki is an evidence-led B Corp and social enterprise focused on helping people take more climate action. To achieve this, they work with companies to engage employees on sustainability. Giki runs the Employee Race to Zero, a 2-week sustainability campaign for employees designed specifically for SMEs, to build knowledge and engage everyone behind the company’s net zero commitments.

“Employees are the fundamental change agents to get to net zero. The SME Employee Race to Zero is designed to activate employees behind Race to Zero commitments, to deepen knowledge and understanding of decarbonization in the workplace, and to inspire and motivate teams to take positive climate action together. And it is designed to be fun, accessible and is free to all Race to Zero members." — Jo Hand, Co-founder of Giki

The Exponential Roadmap Initiative (ERI) unites innovators and disruptors to accelerate climate action aligned with the 1.5°C target, aiming to cut emissions in half by 2030. ERI works with SMEs through the SME Climate Hub, which it co-founded to equip SMEs with tools to commit to science-based climate targets, track emissions, take action, and report their progress. The 1.5°C Supply Chain Leaders, also co-founded by ERI, enhances this effort by promoting climate action across global supply chains, helping suppliers and SMEs lower emissions and work toward net zero by 2050.

We are the only global partnership that has successfully invested >USD 45 million into resilience building. GRP surfaces, tests and nurtures both for-profit (SME-led) and not-for-profit resilience solutions through designing and running innovation challenges. Weaving together our Innovation, Knowledge, and Policy work areas, we ensure that insights from the resilience solutions supported through our Innovation Challenges are connected into global policy making processes such as the UNFCCC COPs where GRP is the founder and lead managing partner of the COP Resilience Hub.

“The SME sector is the backbone of any society that is resilient and has capacity to transform in the face of external shocks and stresses. Leaving them out of the equation when we are transforming our economies in ways that are within planetary boundaries is not an option.” - Jesper Hornberg, CEO, Global Resilience Partnership

Resources: Investing in Resilience: Project Portfolio 2024 | The Investment Case for a Resilient Future | From Risk to Reward | Case Studies

The Global Climate Finance Forum (GCFF) works with over 40 stakeholders to accelerate climate finance for SME-led climate solutions across the Global South. GCFF identifies and promotes practical strategies to mobilize private capital, including de-risking instruments, investor readiness, and finance structures with embedded local asset managers. Through its campaigns, GCFF is leading advocacy initiatives for SME-friendly reforms, shifting risk perceptions, and showcasing climate innovation.

"The Global South receives only 15% of global climate finance - yet it accounts for most of the world’s population, economic growth, and emissions. Closing the investment gap means removing barriers to channel capital toward SME-led climate solutions. These enterprises are vital to delivering locally rooted impact and driving global climate progress." - GCFF.

ICC is the institutional representative of 45 million companies in more than 170 countries, making it easier for businesses to trade internationally. We believe in the power of the private sector to change the world for the better and are uniquely positioned to ensure that SMEs worldwide have the support and assistance needed to survive external shocks and succeed in today’s rapidly changing global economy.  Connecting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to value chains and helping them succeed is central to ITC’s mission. Environmental sustainability and climate resilience have become key determinants of enterprise competitiveness. ITC supports ecopreneurs and MSMEs to build and scale their green innovations and products. We promote the alignment of trade- and environment-related policies.

“SMEs are the bedrock of local economies and, as such are the lynchpin in any economy-wide transition to net-zero.  As the institutional representative of over 45 million businesses in over 100 countries, ICC is uniquely positioned to channel the voice of the real economy, including the millions of SMEs in our network, to build a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive economy.  We are proud to partner with and support the COP29 High-Level Champion, “Climate-Proofing SMEs” campaign as an integral lever to empower and support SMEs to take greater climate action — one that aligns perfectly within our aim to champion enabling policies and action to unlock the potential of SMEs to lead the way in creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.” — Andrew Wilson, Deputy Secretary-General – Policy, International Chamber of Commerce

Connecting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to value chains and helping them succeed is central to ITC’s mission. Environmental sustainability and climate resilience have become key determinants of enterprise competitiveness. ITC supports ecopreneurs and MSMEs to build and scale their green innovations and products. We promote the alignment of trade- and environment-related policies.

Independent, credible, expert evidence is critical to understanding and can underpin effective climate proofing of small businesses. The International Universities Climate Alliance and the Centre for Climate Engagement at Hughes Hall are engaging in an online dialogue with academic colleagues from across the globe to develop the evidence base for SME climate proofing and build an academic community to support this work. A publication will summarize the best available knowledge globally and will be presented at COP29.

“SMEs make up the majority of businesses globally and support the livelihood of billions of people. Therefore, they occupy a place at the frontline of the climate crisis. Universities already work closely with SMEs through their supply chains, education programs and community outreach. The Climate Proofing SMEs campaign provides a vital chance to mobilise the academic community in support of a net-zero future by creating new tools and opportunities to help SMEs respond to the climate challenge.” — Professor Attila Brungs, Chair of the International Universities Climate Alliance

Data from LinkedIn’s Economic Graph shows how the climate transition is changing the world of work and the nature of business. LinkedIn wants to help SMEs navigate this transition through a series of capacity building resources. LinkedIn’s Sustainability Resource Hub aggregates guides, educational content, and advice from top leaders in support of SMEs who may not have dedicated sustainability teams. The resources span what SME leaders and employees seek out most on LinkedIn: building the business case for sustainability, setting climate targets and developing strategies to reduce emissions, measuring and reporting impact, and engaging internal and external stakeholders along the way. Additionally, sustainability-focused LinkedIn Learning  courses available at no cost provides additional capacity building content. Afterall, all SME employees will need to make sustainability part of their job. In doing so, they can help the planet and their company’s bottom line.

Resources: LinkedIn Social Impact Hub | LinkedIn Sustainability Resource Hub

MSC is internationally renowned for its deep understanding of MSME finance and development issues. We help build strategy, design business models, develop new products, manage risk, strengthen capacities, and optimize processes, and credit management and IT systems. MSC transfers skills through training and hands-on support during implementation. We cover alternative data for lending and digital credit, thin-file customers, enterprises led and managed by women, and credit behavior. We also cover non-financial services, such as skill development and business development services.

"MSMEs contribute approximately 30-60% to GDP and provide 50-80% of employment across Africa and Asia, highlighting their vital role in economic growth and job creation. As the backbone of developing economies, MSMEs are crucial front-line actors in climate resilience, yet they often lack the resources and capacity to implement climate adaptation measures, presenting both a critical challenge and opportunity for sustainable development." - MSC

Mastercard’s mission to power economies and empower people includes providing tools and services to small businesses to help them navigate opportunities and challenges toward a sustainable economy. Through our global Mastercard Strive small business program, we are helping SMEs gain access to affordable capital, go digital, and gain networks and know-how. For globally underserved communities, we are leveraging our Community Pass platform to promote sustainable economic development by welcoming digitally excluded individuals into the formal digital economy, through access to features such as: a functional identity, a shared wallet, a digital acceptance device and a secure and protected data platform.

“When SMEs are connected to digital financial platforms, they can access loans, insurance, and other financial products that provide a buffer in times of crisis—whether it’s a flood, drought, or economic downturn. At Mastercard, we see financial inclusion and climate resilience as inextricably linked, especially in vulnerable communities. When we empower people with digital financial tools, we give them the means to adapt and thrive, even in the face of a changing climate.” — Ellen Jackowski, CSO of Mastercard

Regions4 is a network of regional governments (states, provinces, regions) that provides support to regional governments to develop adaptation pathways, biodiversity, SDG actions. It allows for regional governments to learn from peers and share their wide knowledge and experiences of engagement with all local stakeholders such as SMEs and private sector organizations, towards more resilient territories, with the broader international community.

“Regional governments (states, provinces, regions) allow for local resilience in their territories by developping regional adaptation plans and actions that engage with all local actors notably SMEs and the private sector.” — Héloïse Chicou, Climate Action and Resilience Program Manager, Regions4

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The SME Finance Forum (SMEFF) is a network of 300+ members and affiliates with a coverage spanning across 190+ countries. The members are primarily financial services providers such as banks, fintechs, non-bank financial institutions, development finance institutions, credit guarantee companies, and microfinance institutions. The affiliates consist of policy advocacy groups, academia, SME and banking associations, training providers, and non-profit organizations. SME Finance Forum was established in 2012 by the G20 and is managed by the IFC with a core objective to scale financial services for SMEs. As the leading SME finance network globally, the forum steers industry innovations, supports replication of best practices, recognizes global champions, drives thought leadership, convenes influential stakeholders, and fosters global knowledge transfer.

"Sustainable SME finance is a key priority area for the SME Finance Forum with various knowledge-sharing activities and innovation hub “solution’ clinics” being conducted. We look forward to supporting the “Climate-Proofing SMEs” initiative with the High-Level Champions" - Qamar Saleem, Global Head, SME Finance Forum

The SME Climate Hub is an initiative of the We Mean Business Coalition, a global nonprofit catalyzing business and policy action to halve global emissions by 2030. The initiative was co-founded and is operated in partnership with the Exponential Roadmap Initiative and the UN Climate Change High Level Champion’s Race to Zero campaign. Through its free tools and resources, the SME Climate Hub enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make a climate commitment, take action, and measure their progress toward emissions reductions. The SME Climate Commitment is the official pathway for SMEs to join the Race to Zero campaign.

“As we approach COP29, it’s imperative that leading small and medium-sized businesses globally take responsibility and make the SME Climate Commitment. However, their effort will not be successful without the active support of national governments, organizations, and corporations. They must take bold steps to incentivize and reward responsible SMEs within their value chains and networks. Only through this collective effort can we mobilize SMEs at a scale that can have impact in the net zero future.” — María Mendiluce, CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition, host organization of the SME Climate Hub

Supplier LOCT is a global, cross-sectoral collaborative that helps companies reduce Scope 3 emissions by delivering education and capability building to suppliers.

"Knowledge-building helps SMEs recognize the urgency in being part of the climate solution and take the steps necessary to realize meaningful carbon emissions reduction", says Nicole DelSasso, Executive Director, Supplier Leadership on Climate Transition

The UN Global Compact supports SMEs in driving the SDGs across global supply chains. It offers SMEs a platform for global exchange, business action, and country-level implementation. Through initiatives like SPARK, SMEs gain access to practical tools, learning opportunities, and a global network to strengthen sustainability efforts. The programme also includes Sustainable Supplier Innovation Projects (SSIP) and the upcoming Alliance for Sustainable Procurement.

“We are the mid-point of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The setbacks to progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were widely acknowledged. This reality check emphasized the need for all stakeholders—businesses, Governments, civil society and the United Nations—to work harder and smarter together. In response, the UN Global Compact launched the Forward Faster initiative. This initiative focuses on five key action areas – gender equality, climate action, living wage, finance & investment and water resilience which represent critical multipliers to accelerate progress through private sector actions across all 17 SDGs. Let’s be brave and more ambitious than ever.” — Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact

The Climate Drive, powered by WBCSD, provides a first stop for SMEs to find free, trusted, actionable and localized resources to support their decarbonization journey. In the Action Library, SMEs will find quick wins to support their decarbonization efforts, including business impact and implementation details, as well as best decarbonization practices to get inspired. The Net Zero Guidebook, already translated in Turkish, Spanish, Portuguese and soon Traditional Chinese will increase accessibility to best practices of the decarbonization journey for companies around the world.

“We have moved beyond the discussions of why we need to act. It is now about implementing the transformations needed at speed and scale. All businesses, including SMEs have a critical role to play. This is why, WBCSD is proud to support this campaign, together with its members, to equip SMEs, with open initiatives such as The Climate Drive.” — Peter Bakker, CEO, WBCSD

World Benchmarking Alliance assesses the world’s 2,000 most influential companies – also known as the SDG2000 – on their responsibility to meet society’s fundamental expectations towards respecting climate mitigation, human rights, providing decent work, and acting ethically and the just transition. Together, these companies directly employ 95 million people and hundreds of millions more through their supply chains, and generate USD 45 trillion in revenue each year – the equivalent of 45% of global GDP. Through the Catalytic Collaboration we can drive accountability and mobilise SMEs.

“Large corporations have an enormous influence on their supply chain, and that influence comes with the responsibility to empower and enable SMEs to transition in a just way. WBA will help hold the world’s most influential companies accountable and this campaign can set the bar for what best practices look like when it comes to empowering and resourcing SMEs” — Gerbrand Haverkamp, Executive Director, World Benchmarking Alliance

CARICHAM, a Network of Caribbean Chambers of Industry and Commerce, headquartered in Grenada brings together 25 member chambers from across the region. One of CARICHAM’s core pillars is promoting disaster risk reduction and business resilience. To achieve this, CARICHAM facilitates knowledge sharing among its member chambers and collaborates with regional and international organizations to develop and disseminate best practices. These efforts aim to build more resilient economies and societies across the Caribbean.

“SMEs are the backbone of Caribbean societies and economies, contributing significantly to the sustainable economic growth of states in the region. Reducing risk and building resilience to disasters among Caribbean SMEs is crucial to the survival of our societies, particularly given the region’s heightened vulnerability to the effects of climate change and the lack of available resources to support the implementation of needed adaptation activities at scale. Initiatives like the Climate-Proofing for SMEs’ campaign are vital for strengthening private sector engagement with the climate agenda, enhancing understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with climate change and empowering SMEs to take action that will directly contribute to building more resilient economies and sustainable societies.” — CARICHAM

Climate Ventures drives Brazil’s climate innovation ecosystem, expanding market insights and uniting key stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a regenerative economy. Through the Green Wave Platform, they connect over 1,000 organizations advancing Latin America’s green economy, recognized as the official decarbonization database by the UN Global Compact Brazil. Their flagship ClimAction conference engages the private sector in climate action, while innovation labs like the Nature Investment Lab and Amazon Forest Bioeconomy Lab focus on capital flow and solution development. The Brazilian Climatech Forum fosters a favorable environment for sector growth.

“The Climate Proofing SMEs campaign represents a crucial milestone in strengthening private sector engagement with the climate agenda. We recognize that for small and medium-sized businesses, committing to and achieving ambitious climate goals can be challenging. We are proud to be part of this impactful collective effort, helping to facilitate this process on a global scale.” — Ude Lottfi, COO of Climate Ventures

The Corporate Leaders Group Europe is diverse in its membership and representative of Europe in geography and sector, welcoming SMEs as well as leading established companies. The group develops credible and ambitious positions, working closely with European policymakers – particularly the Green Growth Group of EU climate and environment ministers, representatives of the European Commission, supportive Members of the European Parliament. The group works in partnership with large business-focused organisations in support of climate action as one of the founders of the We Mean Business coalition.

“The EU is setting its trajectory to climate neutrality in 2050, soon to decide on the emissions reduction target for 2040. In this ambitious but necessary plan, all private actors have a critical role to play: from multinationals to SMEs, businesses are acting now, already increasing their investments and putting more resources into clean products and services, and stand ready to step up these efforts. The evidence shows that the global economic opportunity from the development of clean technologies alone is enormous: integrating a clear target into a comprehensive industrial strategy, guided by a ‘competitive sustainability’ approach, will allow the EU to lead the global race of development of sustainable industrial ecosystems and industries, bringing together innovation, infrastructure, interconnected value chains and initial deployment of climate neutral technologies on the single market. Now is the time for businesses to collaborate throughout the value chains and bring all actors together.” - Ursula WOODBURN, Director of the Corporate Leaders Group Europe

The UK Corporate Leaders Group (CLG UK) is a cross-sector, impact-driven business membership group that provides a strong corporate voice to support UK leadership for the transition to a climate neutral, nature positive and socially inclusive economy. CLG UK's ongoing mission is to increase business and government leadership through a reinforcing virtuous cycle of increasing ambition and implementing action. It has convened and helped build consensus across the UK business community in support of the transition to competitive, climate-neutral, nature-positive and socially inclusive economies.

“It is hard to imagine a business decision that won’t be affected by sustainability, to some extent. Companies that build trust with their customers based on bona fide sustainability credentials are likely to be more resilient as a result. Increasingly, SMEs who want to supply to multinational corporations will have to compete on sustainability, and even finance providers and investors will increasingly require information on sustainability performance. Sustainability will help unlock new opportunities for businesses who find ways to engage a new generation of consumers wanting products and services that are ethical and seeking brands they can trust. Policymakers should identify the type of support SMEs need from government. It is essential governments supports SMEs to make sustainability work for them and not become yet another challenge.” - Beverley Cornaby, Director, CLG UK

Comunidad #PorElClima is a Spanish multi-stakeholder alliance and an Accelerator for Race to Zero working on an ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement. They mobilise and support impact makers in their journey towards the 5P. From starting decarbonisation’s consulting in 2015 to hosting climate commitment awards since 2018, they especially work with SMEs. Among all their projects with SMEs they especially work on engaging the value chain of big companies. Hence they work with more than 12.000 bars and restaurants, mostly SMESs looking for societal change as hospitality in Spain represents 6% of the GDP.

“SMEs, with their diversity and proximity to communities, are the engine of our economies and key players in the transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy. They face unique challenges, but also propose innovative solutions adapted to local realities. In the lead-up to COP29 in Baku, it is essential that SMEs are at the heart of the discussion and solutions, ensuring that campaigns and strategies are accessible and inclusive for all. Comunidad #PorElClima salutes the leadership of COP29 Champion, Nigar Arparadai, for her commitment to empowering these businesses, recognizing that their success is essential for sustainable and equitable global change.” — Víctor Viñuales, Representant of Comunidad #PorElClima and Executive Director of ECODES

Resources: Medir | Actions to Reduce | Reporting | Case Studies

The Center for Sustainability Studies of the Business Administration School of Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGVces) develops strategies, policies and management tools for sustainability. The Center’s Sustainability in Value Chains Program (SCV) seeks to contribute to the development of strategic value chains for the sustainability agenda by fostering fair economic relations, which reduce social inequalities and enhance environmental conservation. SCV’s projects are mostly focused on SMEs and smallholders within different value chains, especially in agrifood sectors.

"FGVces is committed to empowering SMEs to advance their climate agenda by providing capacity-building support, fostering sustainable business practices, and facilitating access to resources. Recognizing that SMEs are key drivers of economic resilience but face disproportionate climate risks, FGVces works to integrate them into low-carbon and climate-resilient supply chains, ensuring their active participation in the transition to a net-zero economy. We are proud to stand alongside this important initiative, reinforcing our shared commitment to supporting SMEs in tackling climate challenges." - Fernanda Carreira, General Coordinator, FGVces

Resources: FGVces’ ICV Global Project | Startup Ecossystem Impact on the Brazilian Electricity Sector FGVces study | FGVces’ Greener Belt Project | FGVces’ Anchoring Sustainable Value Chains in Brazil Project | FGVces ARABICA Project

Green Transformation and Sustainability Network (GXS) is a pioneering organization driving sustainable development and green innovation across Vietnam. GXS focuses on promoting green economy, circular economy, climate solutions. With a deep commitment to empowering SMEs, GXS provides vital resources, capacity-building, and partnership opportunities to help SMEs adopt sustainable practices and thrive in the green transition. Through collaborations with international stakeholders, GXS plays a crucial role in equipping SMEs in the fight against climate change and achieving long-term resilience.

“As the significant drive of our Vietnamese and global economy, SMEs hold the power to drive transformative change in the green transition. At GXS, we believe that by empowering SMEs with the right tools, resources, and partnerships, we can unlock their full potential to lead us toward a sustainable and resilient future. The Climate-proofing SMEs campaign is not just about survival—it’s about thriving in the face of climate challenges and building a better world for all.” — Son Nguyen, Founder, Green Transformation and Sustainability Network (GXS)

Heart of the City is a charity that supports small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in making responsible business practices a meaningful part of their work. Established in 2000 by the City of London Corporation, the Bank of England, and the former Financial Services Authority, the charity brings over 24 years of experience. Over the years, it has helped thousands of businesses create a positive impact by better supporting their people, communities, and the environment.

“We're thrilled to be supporting the #ClimateProofingSMEs campaign, which aligns perfectly with our mission to empower SMEs to make their first steps towards a more sustainable future. Supporting these businesses on their path to net zero is central to our work, and through this campaign, we aim to provide the tools and knowledge they need to reduce their environmental impact while fostering positive change for society and the planet." - Andy Melia, Director, Heart of the City

Integrated Association of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises of India (IamSMEofIndia) is an Institution created and run by entrepreneurs to facilitate and promote the growth and development of Small businesses across India. IamSMEofIndia has been working closely with the Union and the State Governments, with Institutions like SIDBI, NSIC, The World Bank, TERI, WWI, BEE, HAREDA, EESL, UN Compact Global India, many Universities, Industries Associations and Corporates. IamSMEofIndia has been implementing Energy Efficiency and many more sustainable business practices in the MSME sector for the past more than a decade.

“Indian MSMEs are the backbone of our economy and critical in our fight against climate change. Imagine a nation where each small business becomes a beacon of sustainability, actively slashing greenhouse gas emissions. Our SMEs are fast embracing clean energy, innovating eco-friendly processes, and championing recycling and waste reduction. By doing so, they’re not just protecting our planet; they’re also boosting their productivity and competitiveness. With each eco-conscious step, they pave the way for India’s ambitious carbon neutrality by 2070. As our laws evolve to promote environmental responsibility, like the ban on single-use plastics, fossil fuels and more, MSMEs are on the frontlines, adapting and thriving. Yes, there are hurdles – accessing the right technology, financing the switch, and increasing awareness. But every challenge is a stepping stone to innovation. With robust support and collaboration, these enterprises are not just dreaming of a greener future; they’re building it. Together, let’s craft a sustainable legacy for generations to come, proving that small actions can ignite massive change." — IAmSMEofIndia

KADIN Indonesia, through its Net Zero Hub (NZH), drives climate action by supporting businesses, including SMEs, in decarbonizing their operations. Its Corporate Assistance Programme (CAP) equips companies with training and tools to reduce emissions. CAP partners include 20 companies from Adidas’ supply chain, projected to reduce 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 by 2035. KADIN collaborates with the government to incentivize SMEs with grants and tax reductions, helping drive Indonesia’s transition toward sustainability.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises in Indonesia, which contribute to over 60% of the country’s GDP and absorb more than 97% of the national workforce, play a crucial role in the global race to achieve net zero targets. With SMEs accounting for nearly 50% of industrial energy use, their transition to sustainability is essential. By receiving the right support, including training and access to clean energy, SMEs can enhance the competitiveness of their products in international markets while making a tangible contribution to emissions reduction. KADIN Net Zero Hub is committed to helping SMEs take strategic steps toward sustainability, and this collaboration will create positive impacts not only for the environment but also for the broader well-being of society.” — Dharsono Hartono, Chair of KADIN Net Zero Hub

The India Climate Collaborative, Institute for Sustainable Communities, and the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, are jointly driving the Low-Carbon Steel Cluster Initiative. The initiative is currently developing an operating model to harness the potential of clusters to enable the green transition of SMEs producing Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and secondary steel. The operating model will inform cluster-level interventions to enhance low-carbon technology readiness levels, access to financing, sharing of resources for clean energy projects, and technical capacity of SMEs.

“The Low-Carbon Steel Cluster Initiative is not just about reducing emissions—it’s about empowering steel SMEs through collaboration and cluster-level ecosystem building so that they can lead their own green transition.” — Suresh Kotla, Country Director, India, Sustainable Communities India Pvt. Ltd.

The National Business Initiative (NBI) is a coalition of South African and multinational companies, working for nearly three decades toward a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economy. NBI is a local delivery partner for the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) in South Africa, a global technical assistance program that supports bankable, climate-resilient SMEs. These SMEs receive capacity building, webinars, and facilitated access to financiers.

“SMEs play an integral role in supporting the Just Transition to a climate resilient economy and society by driving innovation, creating employment and contributing to sustainable economic growth. One of the key elements in the Just Transition is distributive justice, which means economic inclusion and enabling people to access and benefit from the transition. SMEs can ensure more equitable distribution of resources and benefits, hence climate proofing SMEs is critical. Our SMEs, just like our populations, are quite vulnerable to the physical and transition risks of climate change. If we want to convert some of these risks into opportunities, the support we provide now is an investment in the future.” — Shameela Soobramoney, CEO of National Business Initiative (NBI)

The Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) represents over 50 national chambers of commerce across Africa. PACCI promotes trade, fosters economic integration, and advocates for a business-friendly regulatory environment. Through capacity-building initiatives, public-private dialogues, and digital tools, PACCI empowers SMEs on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and supports their transition to sustainable, climate-resilient practices.

“The Climate Proofing SME campaign puts small and medium enterprises in the driver’s seat of sustainability. We’re here to boost awareness, spotlight climate champions, and team up with big players to turn green goals into reality—because a resilient future starts small but thinks big!” — Kebour Ghenna, Executive Director of Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI)

Sebrae is the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service. Sebrae is a non-profit private entity with the mission of promoting the sustainable and competitive development of small businesses in Brazil. Small businesses are essential actors in the fight against global warming. Representing more than 95% of businesses in Brazil and 30% of the country's GDP, micro and small businesses are uniquely positioned to make a significant impact on climate change. Sebrae works to transform them into protagonists of sustainable development.

Sistema B Chile, a partner of B Lab Global, is leading the transformation towards a more equitable, inclusive and regenerative economy. Through the B Companies certification, it promotes organisations committed to sustainability. There are already more than 260 B Companies in Chile, and more than 9,000 worldwide, 70% of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Certification ensures that the positive impacts are real and that there is a legal commitment to making a difference.

“For Sistema B Chile it is very important to be able to participate and be part of the Climate Proofing for SMEs. As an organisation we have been strongly promoting this cause with our Community of B Companies, 70% of which are small and medium-sized enterprises. It is very important to be able to give small and medium sized enterprises all the tools they need to continuously improve and reach net zero emissions. We believe that the training and campaigns are going in the right direction". — Zdenka Astudillo, Executive Director, Sistema B Chile.

Small Business Association of Australia (SBAA) provides the Support, Advice, Opportunity and Advocacy Micro, Small and Medium Sized Business need to thrive in today’s economy. As well as being the voice of MSME’s, advocating for their rights and getting the important issues in front of Federal and State Governments, Regulators and Authorities, the SBAA also provides Members with access to a range of quality programs, services, technology, education and trade missions ensuring they have the best chance to succeed.

“Small Business Association of Australia (SBAA) is thrilled to collaborate on the ‘Climate-Proofing SMEs’ campaign, which underscores our commitment to empowering micro and small businesses. This partnership will provide essential resources and support, enabling our business community to navigate the challenges of climate change and thrive in a resilient, net-zero economy. Together, we can ensure that even the smallest enterprises have the tools and knowledge to lead in sustainability and innovation.” - Anne Nalder, CEO and Founder, Small Business Association of Australia

The Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan was established in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 28, 2017. The Agency Charter and structure were endorsed by the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan dated June 26, 2018. The Agency’s mission is to increase the efficiency of small and medium enterprise system regulation, ensure a variety of support mechanisms and entrepreneurs’ smooth access thereto, achieve sustainable SMBs sector development and its increased contribution to the national economy.

“SMEs shall be in the spotlight of our collective efforts to fight global warming and play a key role in the transition to a green economy." — Mr. Orkhan Mammadovm Chairman of the Management Board, KOBİA

The Surpluss is a B Corp certified climate-tech company based in the UAE that specializes in digitization of circular economy practices to drive industrial climate action amongst SMEs to transition, equitably and profitably. The Surpluss is a Race to Zero Accelerator, equipping SMEs with training tools and resources to reduce emissions. The Surpluss collaborates with large companies, business chambers, free trade zones and economic zones with densely populated SMEs and aims mitigate 2 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions a year by engaging with 250,000 SMEs by 2026.

“SMEs are the very fabric of our global economies, and also contribute to over 50% of greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to to inefficiencies and resource constraints. Prioritizing their engagement with tailored climate resources and digitalized tools is essential to move beyond conventional reporting frameworks. This will give assurance that by mitigating their emissions, it can enhance their operations and empower them in better decision making whilst aligning with their financial goals, helping them thrive, rather than just survive. The Surpluss is committed to helping SMEs take strategic, practical steps to sharing the 1.8 trillion dollars in excess resources that remains dormant in supply chains that can be shared across interconnected economies as a lever to systemic change and climate action in emerging economies.” — Rana Hajirasouli, Founder, The Surpluss

Founded in 2005, Cap Business Océan Indien unites the private sectors of six islands in the Indian Ocean region. The association fosters regional economic cooperation and supports a fair, sustainable, and resilient transition. Through co-financing and private sector engagement, Cap Business helps SMEs assess their carbon footprints, develop mitigation plans, and accelerate progress toward net zero emissions.

“Private organizations in the SIDS of the Indian Ocean region are primarily identified as SMEs that are integral parts of the value chains of major global companies. By supporting them in assessing their carbon footprint and developing mitigation plans, we ensure that these value chains significantly accelerate progress towards net zero emissions, driving innovation and fostering a resilient, low-carbon economy that benefits both the environment and society as a whole.” — Virginie Lauret, Executive Director of Cap Business Ocean Indien

WRI India works with MSMEs in India to help build their climate resilience, decarbonise operations and prepare MSMEs and workers to enable a just and inclusive low-carbon transition. Read more.

"India's MSMEs employ 110 million persons and contribute 30% of GDP. Supporting these small businesses to become resilient to climate risks and adopt low-carbon technologies is vital for green growth and job creation. The High-Level Champions platform can help steer financial resources, skills and know-how towards this cause." - Ulka Kelkar, Executive Program Director, Climate, Economics & Finance, WRI India