This group convenes local and global stakeholders working at the nexus of SMEs and green economy & recovery. It explore interventions for green recovery, and examines policy and other pathways for collaboration.
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are key drivers of innovation, green growth, job creation, social cohesion and play a key role in green transitions. They are also critical for driving green innovation. COVID-19 has hit SMEs very hard. More than 75% of SMEs are experiencing or expecting a reduction in revenues through 2020. Despite unprecedented national stimulus and public spending, initial research shows that little is reaching SMEs, and even less is supporting them to ‘go green’.
Governments and institutions risk missing the opportunity to accelerate a green and inclusive economic recovery from COVID-19. This group was initiated at a critical juncture to identify gaps in green recovery SME support and to exchange ideas, share research and connect with policy forums to drive positive change for this critical group of stakeholders.