The sustainable transition is a collective effort and a matter for society as a whole. SMEs, as the backbone of Europe’s economy, also have a key role to play. The transition poses challenges, but also offers opportunities. However, it can feel daunting to get started and to imagine how the sustainable transition affects the business, even before being fully informed.This paper presents 5 first steps an SME can take to begin their sustainable journey. It is vital to initiate the process, even with small steps, and gradually start preparing the business for what lies ahead.

The guide was written in collaboration with Ecopreneur.eu – the European Sustainable Business Federation, and supported by the European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB).