Applications open from 1 May 2025 onwards
SMEs : The Overlooked Force in the Equation for a Sustainable World
Amid the escalating climate crisis, businesses across the globe are being urged to transition toward sustainable development models that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources. Yet, within this global effort, one of the most critical stakeholders remains largely overlooked: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
SMEs are the backbone of the global economy—generating over 70% of employment, contributing more than 50% to global GDP, and responsible for an estimated 60–70% of industrial carbon emissions. Despite this, climate action and ESG financing frameworks have predominantly centered around large corporations and international agreements, leaving smaller businesses—who represent half of the economic system—on the sidelines.
Without the meaningful inclusion of SMEs, achieving net-zero targets will remain out of reach.
According to UNESCAP reports, while the green transition offers SMEs opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and access new markets, the reality is that many SMEs remain trapped in survival mode rather than sustainability planning. Limited time, resources, human capital, and access to relevant knowledge systems continue to constrain their ability to act—not from lack of will, but from lack of tools and enabling mechanisms to begin the journey.
The single greatest barrier is access to finance.
Green solutions often require upfront investments that are beyond the financial capacity of small enterprises, especially in developing countries. As emphasized by the UN Secretary-General at COP29,
“We will not win the climate battle unless we unlock green finance for SMEs.”
Findings from the 2024 global survey reinforce this urgency:
- 84% of SMEs have never received any financial incentive to help reduce their emissions.
- Nearly 70% of SMEs say they require additional funding to accelerate their decarbonization efforts.
Yet, existing climate finance mechanisms and ESG instruments continue to focus on large corporations, often accompanied by complex eligibility criteria, burdensome documentation, and frameworks that are ill-suited for the operational realities of SMEs. As a result, green capital rarely reaches the small enterprises who need it most.
What SMEs around the world are waiting for is not another declaration but a system that works.
A mechanism specifically designed for them : simple, accessible, and actionable with a clear on-ramp, a platform to showcase impact, and a credible pathway to fair and direct access to green finance.
The solution lies in bridging SMEs with large corporations through collaborative mechanisms that drive inclusive, low-carbon growth. This is not only a climate imperative—it is the foundation of a green economy that leaves no one behind.
Strategic Financial Benefits for Certified SMEs
SMEs who are certified through this program will gain access to tangible, business-critical advantages, including
Eligibility as a Verified Green Vendor
Certified SMEs will be recognized as eligible ESG-aligned service providers or suppliers for large corporations seeking to green their supply chains. This includes inclusion in vendor databases and streamlined procurement processes.
Access to Innovation Grants and Climate Finance Instruments
Certified SMEs may be nominated or fast-tracked for funding opportunities from green innovation funds, donor-backed grants, or international development programs targeting sustainable business acceleration.
Attractiveness for Acquisition or Strategic Investment
Demonstrating validated sustainability performance and market positioning increases the likelihood of M&A interest from larger ESG-driven enterprises seeking to integrate innovative, impact-driven capabilities.
Improved Access to Green Loans and Sustainability-Linked Credit
Certification enhances credibility with financial institutions and impact investors, improving access to preferential loan terms, risk-sharing facilities, and ESG scoring for credit evaluation.
The program covers 12 core ESG service domains, ensuring a holistic and strategic approach to sustainability implementation
- AI for ESG
- Carbon Credit & In-Offsetting Solutions
- Consulting & Strategy
- ESG Certification & Verification
- ESG Law
- ESG Reporting
- Sustainability Tech & ESG Innovation
- Investment & Green Finance
- Media Disclosure & Activation
- Sustainability Branding & Marketing
- Supply Chain & Sustainable Procurement
- Training & Workshops
5 Levels of ESG Certification System under the SSA Program
Sustainability Services & Supply Chains Alliance (SSA)
The SSA certification framework is designed to empower businesses to integrate into the value chains of sustainability-oriented enterprises, both domestically and internationally. The system promotes a progressive pathway—from voluntary intent to global recognition—through five strategic dimensions of ESG alignment and performance.
Level 1 : SDG-Aligned ESG Disclosure
At the entry level, participating organizations voluntarily disclose basic information on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This is conducted through a standardized disclosure form designed to map core business activities to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The disclosure must clearly indicate how specific processes, services, or operations contribute positively to individual SDGs—such as reducing waste, utilizing renewable energy, or creating inclusive employment. The assessment methodology is aligned with SDG Mapping tools developed by UNDP and other international institutions.
Level 2 : ESG Policy Announcement & Strategic Target Declaration
At this level, the organization publicly announces its sustainability policy and articulates verifiable strategic targets. These targets reflect a firm commitment to ongoing and systematic ESG action, anchored in globally recognized frameworks such as the GRI Standards, IFRS Sustainability Disclosure, and the SSA ESG Self-Assessment Tool.
In addition, the organization must demonstrate tangible outcomes resulting from its products or services, or from its role within a sustainable value chain—for example, reduced carbon emissions in logistics, increased use of recycled materials, or income generation for vulnerable communities.
Level 3 : ESG Contribution Recognition
This dimension involves third-party or multi-stakeholder panel assessments that validate the organization’s concrete role within the ESG ecosystem—either as a provider of ESG-aligned services or as a recognized component of a large corporation’s sustainable supply chain.
Recognition at this level confirms the organization’s active contribution to the green economy, with measurable outcomes aligned with specific SDG targets.
Level 4 : ESG Impact Publication
Organizations prepare and publish an official ESG Impact Report that consolidates outcomes from their strategies and operations. The report must demonstrate alignment with the SDGs, ISO 20400, GRI, and/or SBTi frameworks, and must be reviewed by qualified experts for credibility and completeness.
This publication equips the organization with a high-impact communication tool for engaging public institutions, financial bodies, and international partners.
Level 5 : Global Showcasing at the UN Climate Action Forum (CAF)
At the highest level of recognition, the organization is selected to present its achievements at the UN Climate Action Forum (CAF). Its ESG performance is published in a globally distributed SDG-Aligned Impact Report, recognized as a model of sustainability innovation and systemic contribution.
This dimension represents the pinnacle of international acknowledgment, granting visibility among global investors, policy-makers, and ESG-aligned strategic alliances.
Steps Toward Certification
The path to becoming a recognized leader under the “100 Sustainability Services & Supply Chains Alliance” involves the following stages
Step 1 : Strategic Self-Assessment (At no cost)
Participating SMEs begin by completing a structured self-assessment to evaluate their readiness and potential within the sustainable services and supply chain ecosystem. The tool helps identify alignment with ESG principles, SDGs, and sector-specific opportunities.
Step 2 : Submission and Public Disclosure of Sustainability Practice
Applicants are invited to submit a portfolio of relevant projects, services, or supply chain innovations that demonstrate verifiable contributions to environmental, social, or governance outcomes. Submissions will be showcased publicly through the STNSM.org platform to promote visibility, transparency, and peer learning.
Step 3: Advanced Evaluation for International Recognition (Verified by MASCI and subject to a service fee.)
SMEs seeking formal certification for participation in international platforms such as the UN Climate Action Forum 2026 will undergo an in-depth evaluation process conducted by Sustainism and its regional expert partners.
This assessment is guided by internationally recognized frameworks, including
- ISO 20400 (Sustainable Procurement)
- The National Taxonomy of the applicant’s country (e.g. Thailand Taxonomy)
The process includes qualitative reviews, stakeholder validation, and ESG readiness scoring based on supply chain alignment, sustainability impact, and policy disclosure. Meeting these criteria ensures that the SME is recognized as ESG-aligned and eligible to enter global value chains and sustainable finance ecosystems.
Applications open 1 May 2025.
Providers who are ready to step up and lead in the ESG space are encouraged to submit their interest and begin the certification process.
For more information and to submit your application
Official e-mail : sustainability@stnsm.org
Partner contact (O2OESG) : LINE OA , +66970344225
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and present your climate leadership at the
Climate Action Forum
United Nations Headquarters – Bangkok, Thailand