Financing SMEs for sustainability
Nov 2, 2021 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Nov 2, 2021 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Description
As governments and businesses accelerate their efforts to meet climate targets, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are struggling to play their part in the green transition. Financing is a key prerequisite for SMEs to green their business models and drive the transition through eco-innovations; yet many small businesses lack the human and financial resources to undertake green actions. This session will bring together the OECD, public financial institutions focused on SME financing, and the business sector to discuss the main drivers and challenges for sustainable financing of SMEs, promising sustainable finance models and instruments for SMEs, as well as the role of policy in accompanying SMEs on their journey to net zero. The session will highlight the role for international cooperation in this area, and announce the creation of a new knowledge-sharing Platform on Financing SMEs for Sustainability hosted by the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities.
The event will be opened by Ms. Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, Director of the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, and Ms. Gemma Peck, Director of Business Growth at the United Kingdom Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Confirmed high-level speakers include:
· Ms. Catherine Lewis La Torre, CEO, British Business Bank
· Ms. Isabelle Hudon, CEO, Business Development Bank of Canada
· Mr. Jong-Won YOON, Chairman & CEO, Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK)
· Mr. Pascal Lagarde, Executive Director, Bpifrance
· Ms. Hanni Rosenbaum, Executive Director, BIAC
Key topics for discussion include:
What are the key issues SMEs face in financing the adoption of greener business models and driving green solutions through eco-innovation?
How can we bridge the knowledge gaps and increase awareness among SMEs about financing their green transition?
What are the latest trends in sustainable finance for SMEs? What promising financing and policy instruments are being developed to address the financing needs of SMEs?
How can public SME banks best accompany SMEs on the journey to net zero?
How can international collaboration be leveraged to accelerate SME access to sustainable finance?
