Reporting on ESG and Sustainability Performance Oriented to the Needs of Small Enterprises (RESPONSE)

Name of the project: Reporting on ESG and Sustainability Performance Oriented to the Needs of Small Enterprises

Acronym of the project: RESPONSE

Duration: 30 months (01/09/2025 - 29/02/2028)

Programme: Erasmus +, KA220-VET - Cooperation partnerships in vocational education and training

Partners:                              

  • Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Vratsa (Bulgaria) – Lead partner
  • Fondazione Di Partecipazione Per L'innovazione E Lo Sviluppo Imprenditoriale (Italy)
  • Scuola Superiore Di Studi Universitari E Di Perfezionamento S Anna (Italy)
  • Dublin Chamber of Commerce (Incorporated) (Ireland)
  • Camara Oficial De Comercio Industria, Servicios Y Navegacion De Valencia (Spain)

General Objective:

The RESPONSE project aims to support SMEs in improving their ESG reporting practices by providing targeted training and assistance to SME entrepreneurs, managers, and employees. Within the project, pilot instruments will be developed, including a dedicated training path and a set of practical support tools (the ESG+ Toolbox).

Specific Objectives:

  • To understand the main needs and barriers of SMEs regarding ESG reporting;
  • To strengthen the ability of SMEs to report their ESG performance and comply with EU requirements;
  • To enhance the competences of SME entrepreneurs and employees related to ESG regulations and reporting;
  • To reinforce the capacity of Chambers of Commerce and their networks to support SMEs on ESG matters.

Main target groups:

  1. SME entrepreneurs and staff;
  2. Staff of Chambers of Commerce;
  3. Business associations;
  4. Banks, credit institutions and certification agencies;
  5. Associations and institutions dedicated to promoting sustainability in SMEs;
  6. University researchers and students.

Main project results:

  • Analysis of SMEs’ ESG reporting practices and the existing support tools;
  • Development of a set of practical tools for ESG reporting by SMEs (ESG+ Toolbox);
  • Creation and testing of innovative vocational training materials in line with CSRD and ESRS (ESG+ Masterclass);
  • Raising SMEs’ awareness of ESG topics through information and awareness-raising events.