The Green at Heart Bootcamp: How collaboration sparks change
The goal of this bootcamp? To shift the perspective on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting—not as a bureaucratic obligation, but as a catalyst for business growth and innovation.
Instead of viewing ESG as just another compliance task, these entrepreneurs explored how it could open doors to new markets, strengthen resilience, and drive competitive advantage.
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The approach
The approach is straightforward: start with forward-thinking businesses because they’re already engaged in impact, then inspire more traditional SMEs by demonstrating how ESG considerations have led to real economic benefits. By stepping outside their comfort zones, these businesses are proving that sustainability isn’t just about responsibility – it’s about opportunity.
Using GoSustainable, an ESG diagnostics and management tool offering insight into company operations, participants were able to develop action plans to improve their ESG performance across various areas.
Over 130 companies completed the tool, and 62 of them received funding, averaging €8,000 per company to work on their action plans. This amount proved to be well-balanced. Substantial enough to drive meaningful change, yet manageable enough to avoid the need for a lengthy, resource-intensive program.
As a result, businesses could take practical steps forward and, in many cases “realise projects that otherwise would have not been possible”.
CASE STUDY 01
Gust of Change x Paracons: fostering international collaboration
At the Green at Heart bootcamp, two companies with a shared commitment to sustainability connected in an unexpected way.
Gust of Change (Netherlands), which designs eco-friendly active- and streetwear, met Paracons, an Austrian company specializing in Textile Aeronautics, developing advanced fabric technologies for aviation with expertise in technical textiles, logistics, and supply chain management.
Their discussions revealed a natural synergy: Paracons’ paraglider technology generates waste, and Gust of Change is exploring ways to incorporate upcycled materials into its products. This led to a collaboration where Gust of Change will repurpose discarded paraglider fabric into activewear and accessories.
Things have been moving fast and Gust of Change is working with the first delivery from Paracons. The first product, laptop sleeves, will soon be soaring through the webshop.
This partnership shows how international and cross sector collaboration can create practical solutions for sustainability while also opening up new business opportunities. By working together across industries and borders, both companies are finding ways to reduce waste and develop innovative products. While such cross-sector collaboration can increase the level of innovation and share of know-how; even small ESG investments in strategic areas can make an important difference in scaling impact.
The next case shows how closing a funding gap in a targeted approach can unlock new business opportunities for SMEs.
CASE STUDY 02
How a small ESG investment enabled Peukenzee to attract bigger clients
Peukenzee, a Dutch company tackling cigarette butts litter pollution, is on a mission to raise awareness, drive change, and create cleaner environments by upcycling discarded cigarette butts into functional design products.
While several large organizations showed interest in collaborating, one obstacle stood in the way: the lack of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify the environmental impact of their process.
With financial support from Green at Heart, Peukenzee was able to conduct the LCA, providing credible data on the positive impact of their upcycling efforts. This small yet strategic investment proved to be a game-changer, helping the company secure multiple large clients and partnerships.
This case highlights how even modest investments of an average of €8.000 in ESG initiatives can enhance credibility, meet corporate requirements, and unlock new business opportunities—proving that sustainability and business growth can go hand in hand.
GREEN AT HEART BOOTCAMP
Key takeaways
The bootcamp highlighted a key takeaway: embedding sustainability into business operations starts with a clear impact mission.
It’s not just about providing a green or social product or service but about building a truly sustainable business—one that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into its core strategy and day-to-day operations. By seeing ESG reporting as an opportunity rather than an obligation, companies can enhance transparency, attract investors and clients, and ultimately drive long-term success.
However, businesses don’t have to navigate this transition alone. Collaboration, knowledge sharing, and EU -level support are critical in helping SMEs integrate sustainability into their business models. Programs like Green at Heart show how targeted funding, strategic partnerships, and practical guidance can empower businesses to make meaningful changes.
With the right mindset and resources, SMEs can move beyond compliance—using ESG as a tool for innovation, competitiveness, and lasting impact.
Want to learn more about Green at Heart?
Green at Heart is a program that supports SMEs in European member states on their path towards sustainability.
This EU-funded program helps participating SMEs turn their intentions into tangible results by providing a clear overview of their current practices, preparing them for upcoming reporting requirements, and empowering them to make a measurable impact in areas such as people, the environment, circularity, and governance.
Funded by the European Union.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect
those of the European Union or European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA).
Neither the European Union nor EISMEA can be held responsible for them.
