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. Participation in Green at Heart is entirely free and designed to demand only a modest time investment.

This project page is continuously updated with the latest insights and opportunities related to Green at Heart. Check back regularly to stay up to date on new developments and ways to get involved!

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We’re on a mission to make businesses Green at Heart

The Green at Heart program follows a structured, multi-phase approach to support SMEs in advancing their sustainability efforts. Three phases of the program have thusfar been completed – with much more coming up.

View the full project timeline below ↓

In Phase 01, 272 SMEs that met the criteria gained access to the ESG tool and three guiding webinars, while up to 20 manufacturing companies also received a circularity assessment tool, a dedicated webinar, and a one-on-one results session.

Phase 02 invited all participants to submit a sustainability action plan based on insights from the tools and webinars. In October, 60 SMEs with the most promising roadmaps were selected to receive grants of up to EUR 8,000, enabling them to begin implementing their plans immediately. To ensure progress, the first check-in calls were conducted to track developments and gather insights for the next program phases.

Finally, in Phase 03, fifteen selected entrepreneurs had the opportunity to attend an entrepreneurial bootcamp in Vienna, further equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainable impact.

Timeline overview

Start: Applications ✅

The application phase ran until the 31st of May, 2024. Resulting in 272 applications by SMEs that met the participation criteria.

In June 2024, 272 SMEs gained access to a diagnostics- and circularity assessment tool. SMEs were supported through webinars and one-on-one sessions.

Phase 01. Assessment ✅

In June 2024, 272 SMEs gained access to a diagnostics- and circularity assessment tool. SMEs were supported through webinars and one-on-one sessions.

Phase 02a. Action plan submission ✅

In August 2024, participating SMEs were invited to submit a sustainability action plan based on insights gathered from the tools and webinars.

In October 2024, 60 SMEs with the most promising roadmaps were selected to receive grants of up to EUR 8,000, to start implementing their action plan.

Phase 02b. Selections for funding ✅

In October 2024, 60 SMEs with the most promising roadmaps were selected to receive grants of up to EUR 8,000, to start implementing their action plan.

Phase 02c. Implementation 🛠️

To ensure progress, gather insights, and track developments, check-in calls are conducted on a continuous basis.

In March 2025, 15 selected entrepreneurs attended an entrepreneurial bootcamp in Vienna to further strengthen their sustainability ambitions.

Phase 03. Vienna bootcamp ✅

In March 2025, 15 selected entrepreneurs attended an entrepreneurial bootcamp in Vienna to further strengthen their sustainability ambitions.

More information coming soon!

More information about the next phases will be published soon.

NEW!

Green at Heart article library

Our project team- and partners regularly publish articles covering key developments, lessons learned, and success stories from the Green at Heart program. Check back regularly to stay up to date!

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Green at Heart Bootcamp: How collaboration sparks change

BY IMPACT HUB AMSTERDAM ON 02.04.2025

Discover how 18 social SMEs from six EU countries came together at the Green at Heart Bootcamp in Vienna to transform ESG reporting from a compliance task into a catalyst for growth and innovation. Read on to learn how collaboration and strategic ESG investments are unlocking new opportunities for sustainable business practices.

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How SMEs can contribute to a just and sustainable world

BY IMPACT HUB VIENNA ON 28.03.2025

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have the power to drive real change by embedding sustainability and social justice into their core operations. This article explores practical ways SMEs can make a lasting impact—read on to see how businesses of any size can be a force for good!

Read this article

Playing the green game: Nurturing sustainability in the startup ecosystem

BY IMPACT HUB NETWORK ON 14.02.2025

Read this article

Introducing Green at Heart: 5 reasons to become green at heart

BY IMPACT HUB AMSTERDAM ON 20.12.2023

What does it take to put sustainability at the core of a business? This article dives into how companies can move beyond buzzwords and truly embed sustainable practices.

Read this article

Project Partners

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.