Corporate Social Responsibility 

Unlike larger corporations, small- and medium-sized enterprises are not generally faced with a explicit social demand for CSR. Nevertheless, their relations with their geographic environment and with the groups of interest in their immediate surrounding are generally very close and have a very direct impact on how these companies operate as well as on their prestige.

In the case of small- and medium-sized enterprises, CSR as a “form of management” is tied to the personal values and business attitudes of their owners or managers. Nevertheless, when managed responsibly and strategically, CSR becomes a valuable tool to help SMEs along the path towards "business excellence" within their own particular characteristics as regards size, sector, and geographic location. Here at the Directorate-General of SME Policy (DGPYME) we want companies to be fully aware of this potential, which is why we are carrying out the following programmes and initiatives:

Action taken by the Directorate General of SME Policy related to CSR of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises:

1. CSR – SME Initiative 
2. Micro-credit programme for female entrepreneurs and business owners
3. Subventions given to SMEs to help them implant and certify environmental  management systems, and to encourage innovation in the efficient use of energy through the InnoEmpresa Programme
4. A study of the European approach to supporting the integration of CSR in small- and medium-sized enterprises: "SME CRS. A European Perspective"