Course Description

Synopsis:

Sustainability reporting is no longer the domain of large, listed companies. Increasingly, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are expected to demonstrate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments to banks, investors, customers, and regulators. This course offers SMEs a practical and accessible introduction to sustainability reporting, tailored to their unique scale and context. For a company about to embark on its first sustainability report, learn about some challenges that reporters might encounter and how to plan ahead for a smooth and successful start to your sustainability journey.

Participants will explore why sustainability matters for business resilience and reputation, how to identify material ESG topics, and which frameworks are most suitable for SMEs. The course also guides learners through the initial steps of data collection and stakeholder communication, helping them build a credible and strategic sustainability narrative.

With this module, you will be able to:

• Understand the relevance and benefits of sustainability reporting for SMEs in today’s business environment.
• Identify key ESG topics that are material to the business operations and stakeholders.
• Recognize suitable reporting frameworks and standards applicable to SMEs (e.g., GRI, ISSB).
• Begin collecting basic ESG data such as energy usage, diversity metrics, and employee well-being indicators.
• Communicate ESG efforts more effectively to stakeholders including banks, clients, and employees.

Intended For:

• Audit Professionals / PAIP 
• Finance Professionals  / PAIB 
• C-suite & Directors
• Business Owners

The content is most relevant to small business owners or professionals who are required to start sustainability reporting practices for their companies.

Competency Mapping:

• CPE Category "Others" = 0.5 CPE Hour