Steinbeis funds Erasmus+ project to support Europe's micro businesses adopt environmentally friendly practices

Start on Sustainability (SOS) offers tools and training to reduce the environmental footprint

Screenshot startonsustainability.eu

The Steinbeis School of Sustainable Innovation and Transformation supports the programme “Start On Sustainability (SOS)” an Erasmus+ project which is executed by the project consortium that consists of Global Impact Grid (Germany), European e-learning institute (Denmark), Momentum Consulting (Ireland), ATA Autonomous (Spain) and Północna Izba Gospodarcza (Poland).

SOS is dedicated to helping micro-enterprises reduce their environmental footprint while strengthening long-term business resilience. With a practical, community-oriented approach, the project is equipping local entrepreneurs with tools and training to embed sustainability across business, environmental, and social dimensions.

Through digital content, capacity-building tools, and peer exchange opportunities, SOS provides accessible, action-oriented resources that help small business owners make practical, informed decisions. It also demystifies policy frameworks like the European Directive on Sustainability, making it easier for MSMEs to prepare for upcoming changes and align with future standards.

The project aligns closely with European Union goals for green transition and digital transformation in vocational education and enterprise development. While led by a consortium of international partners, including Global Impact Grid, its local focus ensures that the tools and methods developed are deeply rooted in community needs and realities. The project aspires to engage the Adlershof MSME organizations to benefit from the outputs of SOS.

As part of its outcomes, focusing on micro-business owners and managers, SOS is rolling out:

1. SOS starter kit – a comprehensive set of educational resources that offers a comprehensive understanding of sustainability in micro businesses, emphasizing its interconnectedness with the environment, society, and economy. These set of resources constitute a practical digital toolkit tailored to MSMEs, along with both real-life and hypothetical case studies that illustrate sustainability strategies in action.
2. Action plan tool – a diagnostic self-assessment tool for micro-business owners and managers to assess their organization’s current sustainability situation, and that generates tailored action plans.
3. Sustainability Networking Hub – To further support cross-border learning, this Europe-wide online platform is developed to connect MSMEs, educators, and sustainability mentors across sectors and regions. The Sustainability Hub helps micro-enterprises implement tangible activities and actions to make their businesses more sustainable by providing mutual support, learning and motivation via their ongoing engagement in an innovative networking hub. group. It serves three main functions: knowledge repository, collaborative/ action-orientated space for new connections, and “In action” to showcase the achievements of SOS users. A growing collection of bite-sized video content is also curated to support micro-businesses through relatable, easy-to-digest examples.

To learn more or get involved in the project, visit Start on Sustainability.