Results

Project Results

This section presents the key outputs of the project and shows how each result builds on the previous one to create a complete pathway, from understanding rural SMEs’ ESG needs to delivering practical training tools. The early reports provide the research and conceptual foundations, while the later results translate these insights into learning materials, courses, and interactive tools for real-world application. For each result, you will find a short description explaining its purpose, main content, and role within the overall project. Language availability is clearly indicated: the first three strategic documents are available in English only, while the curriculum, training course, and simulation game are offered in all partner languages (German, Greek, Italian and Slovenian) to ensure wide accessibility and impact across participating countries.

1. Needs Analysis Report on ESG in rural SMEs

This report combines desk and field research to explore how rural SMEs in the agri-food sector in Germany, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Slovenia approach ESG. It highlights key challenges and gaps in each country, and informs the design of the ESG Manager Profile and Framework. The document is available in English only.

2. ESG4SMEs Management Framework

Based on the needs analysis and partner expertise, this framework defines the ESG Manager role in SMEs, focusing on the agri-food sector. It outlines the role’s four key dimensions-role, person (competences), organization (enablers), and external ecosystem-and details the training content and levels needed to embed sustainability and responsible governance in rural SMEs. Framework available in English only.

3. The ESG Manager for Rural SMEs Profile

This resource presents a tailored ESG Manager role for rural SMEs, combining three complementary roles, ESG Analyst, Optimizer, and Leader. It details core responsibilities, skills, and tasks suitable for small, often family-run agri-food businesses, serving as a practical guide for implementing ESG in daily operations. Profile available in English only.

4. ESG Manager for Rural SMEs – A Short Guide on Why and How

This practical guide is addressed to SMEs and introduces the role of ESG Manager, explaining its purpose, key responsibilities, required skills, and how ESG tasks can be distributed within small and family-run businesses. It also helps SMEs identify ESG gaps and plan next steps toward sustainability. Guide available in English, Italian, Slovenian, German, and Greek

5. Curriculum design

This document provides a practical curriculum to train ESG Managers for rural SMEs. It defines clear learning goals and competencies across six modules: ESG foundations, data analysis, implementation, strategic planning, performance monitoring & reporting, and local adaptation. Curriculum available in English, Italian, Slovenian, German, and Greek.

6. ESGMR training course: Sustainability in Action

The ESGMR training course translates the curriculum into a full self-learning experience. It includes structured learning paths, quizzes, interactive activities, and real-life case studies, designed to help learners apply ESG concepts in rural SMEs. All training materials-modules and case studies-are freely downloadable, while the guided online course is available through the Academy e-learning platform. Training course available in in English, Italian, Slovenian, German, and Greek.

Access The Online Course Download Training Materials

7. ESG Management for Rural SMEs – Educators Guide

This guide supports educators and trainers delivering the ESG4SMEs training course. It provides facilitation methods, assessment tools, scoring guidance, and practical recommendations for running face-to-face and blended learning activities while supporting learners’ ESG development. Educators Guide available in English only.

8. ESG4SMEs Simulation Game

This interactive simulation game lets learners apply ESG concepts in realistic rural SME scenarios. Co-designed with experts and SME stakeholders, it helps consolidate knowledge from the training while also serving as a standalone learning tool for educators and organizations. Game available in in English, Italian, Slovenian, German, and Greek.

Play the ESG4SMEs Simulation Game

9 . ESG4SMEs Policy Handbook and Country Action Plans

Developed through pilot testing and validation with SMEs, public authorities, and VET professionals across Europe, the ESG Policy Handbook provides practical guidance for integrating ESG strategies into SMEs. It includes methods for adapting ESG training to different industries and country-specific policy recommendations for Italy, Greece, Germany, Slovenia, and Cyprus to support recognition of the ESG Manager credential and the integration of ESG competences into SMEs and vocational education. Overall, the Handbook helps SMEs strengthen sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience while aligning with national and EU ESG priorities.