SME EnterPRIZE
Generali’s flagship project designed to promote a culture of sustainability among European SMEs
SME EnterPRIZE is the initiative launched by Generali in 2021 on the occasion of the Group’s 190th anniversary to promote a culture of sustainability among European SMEs.
The SME EnterPRIZE project was created with the intention to:
- support SMEs in their sustainable transition, consistent with the European ambition to develop a greener and more inclusive economy;
- stimulate public debate on the importance of sustainability for SMEs, promoting further research on the subject;
- highlight significant examples of responsible business, recognising entrepreneurs that can become an inspirational model for others to follow.
The fifth edition of SME EnterPRIZE in Europe
Credit Photo: Laurent Louis
SMEs collectively represent more than half of Europe’s GDP and 99% of companies in the EU, they are the bedrock of the European economy and are essential drivers of sustainable transition. That is why Generali supports European SMEs in building climate resilience and sustainable business models - because strengthening SMEs means reinforcing Europe’s competitiveness and shaping a more resilient and sustainable Union.
This year’s edition - the fifth one - celebrated the eleven “Sustainability Heroes” drawn from over 8,500 small and medium-sized businesses which were selected from across Europe. The aim is that they can become an inspirational model for fellow entrepreneurs and be ambassadors of sustainability. The companies selected come from the 11 European countries that have joined the initiative: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain.
Philippe Donnet, Generali Group CEO, said: “Five years on, SME EnterPRIZE reflects Generali’s long‑term conviction that small and medium‑sized enterprises are essential to Europe’s sustainable growth and economic resilience. At Generali, we are firmly committed to standing alongside SMEs as they navigate the impacts of climate change and the broader sustainability transition. In an increasingly uncertain global context, strengthening SME resilience is not only a necessity – it is a strategic priority for our economies and our societies. SME EnterPRIZE was created to foster dialogue and shared responsibility between businesses, policymakers and financial institutions because long‑term competitiveness can only be built together. This transformation will take time, but the direction is clear, and we remain determined to support the resilience and sustainability of SMEs as a collective investment in the prosperity and well-being of us all.”
During the Brussels event, Generali also presented the 5th edition of the White Paper on the sustainability journeys of European SMEs developed in collaboration with SDA Bocconi – Sustainability Lab. The report highlights that despite economic volatility, regulatory complexity and growing climate impacts, more than 40% of SMEs continue to integrate sustainability into business decision‑making while 68% view it as a competitive advantage.
Generali Group General Manager, Marco Sesana said: “European SMEs are maintaining their commitment to sustainability, even in a challenging economic and regulatory environment. At the same time, the findings highlight where support is most needed – particularly in strengthening climate resilience and addressing the still‑significant protection gap as 59% of SMEs remain uninsured for extreme events. These insights confirm the importance of an integrated approach that combines awareness, financial solutions and risk protection. At Generali, we aim to act as true transition partners for SMEs, providing tailored advice, dedicated support, financing and insurance solutions to help them turn sustainability into a driver of resilience and long‑term competitiveness.”
The Group has also established public-private partnerships, including collaborations with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Insurance Development Forum and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with the aim to develop insurance and investment solutions that strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities and MSMEs in emerging and developing economies against climate change and natural disasters.
