Six million small firms urge police leaders to unlock funding and incentives for green growth
More than six million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) all over the world are calling on world leaders to take urgent and concerted action to support business-led climate progress, warning that the path to entry into the netro is not without its entry.
In an open letter released ahead of the Climate Change Conference (Cop30) in Brazil, the SME Climate Hub encouraged governments to use pooled funds, facilitate climate action, and create meaningful incentives for small firms to take action.
SMEs account for 90 percent of the world’s businesses and generate more than half of the country’s GDP, yet they are among the least supported when it comes to deCarbonation. Despite their important role in local economies and global supply chains, many small businesses still face significant barriers to climate services. A recent SME Climate Hub survey found that 80 percent of respondents reported little or no government support for climate-related initiatives.
“Global climate change will not succeed if SMEs are left behind,” said Pamela Jouvever, director of the SME Climate Hub. “Governments have the power to transform the business climate risks. We urge the heads of delegation at Cop30 to find an effective policy framework that empowers SMEs and
The open letter calls on governments to strengthen national frameworks so that SMEs are formally recognized within climate and biodiversity strategies and included in consultation processes. It also encourages the integration of small firms in public procurement systems, ensuring that they can compete effectively for green contracts and be part of sustainable value chains.
Jouveen and the relevant Signals say that they should do more to show more to show the business case for decalbonelation, from the efficiency of energy to the efficiency of net zero strategies – from the efficiency of energy to risk and to find new markets and customers.
Another very important thing is clarity. Many SMEs are hindered by doubt, but by confusion. The letter urges policymakers to develop consistent, centralized readings to help small firms navigate reporting requirements and access credible resources for climate change and emissions reductions.
Above all, the group emphasizes that progress depends on the opening funds. It calls on financial institutions and governments to design financing models that meet the needs of small businesses, including green loans, grants, tax incentives and government-backed guarantees.
“Small businesses are the backbone of economies and global chains,” Jouven said. “Empowering climate action will accelerate the delivery of national net zero goals and build global economic resilience.”
The release of the book comes as climate finance is expected to dominate the agenda at Cop30 in Belém, Brazil. With SMEs employing two billion people worldwide, the SME Climate Hub warns that failure to equip them for change will not only meet climate goals but risk leaving large parts of the economy unprepared for a low-carbon future.
