Green at Heart: Practical ESG Tools for SMEs
16 September 2025
How the CSRD offers business opportunities – and how to take the first steps
Image from John Gundlach | Flying Holland
How the CSRD offers business opportunities – and how to take the first steps
Updated 14 November 2025 at 15:18
Since the introduction of the European Green Deal in 2021, sustainability is no longer a vague ambition but a clear direction for the EU economy. With regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which makes ESG reporting mandatory, the pressure on businesses is increasing. But rather than just a challenge, this also presents huge opportunities—not only for companies aiming to comply with the rules, but also for those looking to leverage sustainability to boost impact and innovation.
The City of Amsterdam wants to raise awareness about CSRD and ESG as powerful tools for the broader economy, not just for the 'impact' sector. Special attention is given to how SMEs can actively participate in this.
Why you, as an entrepreneur, must act now
The CSRD is more than just a reporting obligation. It’s an opportunity to future-proof your business. The directive requires companies to report on their impact on the environment, society, and governance (ESG). This is the first time, on a large scale, that companies are required to report on what they are doing to operate responsibly and sustainably. This brings concrete advantages for entrepreneurs, such as:
- Gaining access to new markets and supply chains
- Reducing costs through more efficient processes
- Becoming more attractive to investors and talent
- Building stronger relationships with customers and suppliers
Moreover, companies gain insights into their operations, risks, and opportunities—often leading to surprising areas for improvement. And even if your business is not subject to the formal reporting obligation, it’s wise to start adapting now: CSRD-mandated customers or partners may ask for data on your ESG impact.
The reports must be made public by companies, for example through their own websites, and shared via the AFM’s register. This register is connected to the European central access point ESAP, allowing data from thousands of companies across Europe to be accessible and free of charge—including yours.
Example: Green at Heart
European projects such as Green at Heart help SMEs make their social impact tangible and get the most out of the CSRD.
Entrepreneurs learn how to collect ESG data practically and efficiently and gain valuable insights into their business. They also get a better understanding of what 'sustainability' truly means—not just in terms of 'green' or climate, but also in relation to the environment, society, and governance.
Green at Heart is funded by the European Union and co-designed by Amsterdam Impact, Impact Hub Amsterdam, Impact Hub Madrid, Impact Hub Vienna, the Impact Hub Network, and Vienna Ökobusiness.
National tools available for your business
There are many resources available, including:
The Omnibus package and CSRD
Although the proposed Omnibus amendment—which is still under discussion—could significantly reduce the number of companies covered by the CSRD, we still see many opportunities within the CSRD and ESG frameworks. Not only in terms of environmental and social impact but also as a way to create economic added value. We therefore advise companies to actively engage with these standards and adjust to them in a timely manner.
Impact also makes financial sense
The CSRD helps companies gain insight into their ESG performance and shows where improvements are possible. Whether you are required to report or not yet: the forward-thinking entrepreneur does not wait. By starting with ESG now, you make your business stronger—and future-proof.
