Sustainability support for SMEs
As the biggest SME support network around the globe, the Enterprise Europe Network provides companies with specific expertise and advise through Sustainability Advisors, who will tailor their advice to adapt to the companies for future-proof sustainable businesses.
Guidelines on CSR
A guide is available with tips and tricks to CSR Advisors helping SMEs including a CSR roadmap for SMEs.
SMEs can also use the SME checklist for responsible and sustainable conduct and a good practice document including 30 cases of SMEs and start-ups that have successfully designed and implemented CSR and sustainability-related activities.
Guidelines on business and human rights
The European Commission has published guidelines for SMEs on Business and Human Rights and sectoral guides on implementing the UNGPs for the following sectors: ICT sector, oil&gas sector, and for employment and recruitment agencies.
The Commission has published in 2021 guidance to help EU businesses comply with international standards on forced labour in their operations and supply chains.
The EU has also published general Human Rights Guidelines on issues of importance to the EU mainly aimed at EU delegations.
Guidance on due diligence
Due diligence ready! portal: As part of the conflict minerals regulation, a portal was set up to support SMEs applying the regulation. It includes a due diligence toolbox.
In cooperation with the International Trade Center, the Commission published guidance in April 2022 on designing effective and inclusive accompanying support to due diligence legislation: Making mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence work for all
Public procurement guidelines and tools
The Buying Social guide is a practical guide for public buyers. It includes concrete suggestions and examples and it covers the whole procurement process.
The EU Helpdesk for Green Public Procurement provides timely and accurate answers to stakeholders' enquiries, and to promote and disseminate information on green public procurement. It is accessible to all interested parties within the EU and the EEA.