Corporate Social Responsibility and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the predominant form of enterprise in the European Union.

They may not know and use the term "CSR", but their close relations with employees, the local community and business partners often mean they have a naturally responsible approach to business. For most SMEs, the process by which they meet their social responsibility is likely to remain informal and intuitive.

CSR resources for small businesses and their advisers

CSR handbook for small business advisers [3 MB] (Click on the icon to the left to get versions in French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish)
Our business and human rights page has a guide and other resources on human rights for SMEs
The report of a group of European experts on CSR and SMEs, published in 2007 but still relevant today: Full report [684 KB] Summary of the key messages of the report [101 KB] (Click on the icon to the left to get different language versions)
Questionnaire to raise SME awareness of CSR [162 KB] (Click on the icon to the left to get different language versions)