Let's Look At the Numbers
According to a survey by the Shared Value Initiative, SMEs that create shared value are 50% more likely to report growth than those that don't, and 70% more likely to report improved business reputation.
-Shared Value in SMEs: A Global Survey
A report by the International Finance Corporation found that SMEs that adopt sustainable business practices experience on average a 20% increase in productivity, and a 19% reduction in costs.
- International Finance Corporation - Sustainable Business: SMEs and the Environment
A report by the European Commission found that SMEs that adopt sustainable business practices have on average 15% lower operating costs, and 5-20% higher sales revenue.
- European Commission - Sustainability and Competitiveness of European SMEs
A study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies that create shared value generate on average 6% higher profit margins than their peers.
- Harvard Business Review - Creating Shared Value
According to a survey by the Shared Value Initiative, 68% of SMEs that create shared value report increased revenue as a result, and 54% report increased customer loyalty.
- Shared Value Initiative - Shared Value in SMEs: A Global Survey
A study by the International Trade Centre found that SMEs that adopt sustainable business practices experience on average a 17% increase in productivity, a 16% reduction in costs, and a 14% improvement in brand reputation.
- International Trade Centre - Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct: A Review of International and National Initiatives
According to a survey by B Lab, SMEs that become certified as B Corporations (i.e. businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency) experience on average 14% revenue growth and increased employee retention rates.
- B Lab - The Business Case for B Corp Certification
According to a report by the European Union, SMEs that adopt sustainable business practices are more competitive and have higher chances of success, with 81% of SMEs reporting positive effects on competitiveness and 78% reporting positive effects on innovation.
- European Union - SMEs for Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Challenges
