As the ESG4SMEs project approaches its conclusion, German partners and regional stakeholders gathered in Steinfurt, Germany, for the project’s final event focused on sustainability, ESG implementation, and practical support for SMEs. The event was organised by WESt Kreis-Wirtschaftsförderung, ACEEU, and energieland2050 e. V. . The final event took place in two phases and brought together more than 110 participants in total, including company representatives, sustainability managers, consultants, educators, and regional stakeholders.
The first phase, organised online on 11 March 2026, gathered more than 50 participants from the Münsterland region and focused on ESG practices and sustainability strategies in regional companies. Representatives from several companies shared how sustainability is being integrated into business operations, decision-making, and organisational culture. Among the speakers were Heike Schürkötter from Salvus Mineralbrunnen GmbH, who highlighted the importance of regional supply chains and social engagement, and Rike Kappler from Biobäckerei Cibaria, who presented the company’s approach to combining ecological, social, and economic responsibility.
The second phase of the final event was held at the FH Münster Technology Campus in Steinfurt and focused on exchange, networking, and the presentation of the project’s results. The programme included a keynote by Prof. Dr. Florian Lüdeke-Freund (ESCP Business School) on sustainable business model transformation and resilience, followed by thematic discussion tables on AI in sustainability management, regional ESG networks, internal sustainability communication, and practical tools for SMEs.
ACEEU and WEst representative also presented the educational resources developed within ESG4SMEs, including the online training course and the interactive Mission Game designed to support SMEs and vocational education providers in strengthening ESG competences and sustainability-oriented practices.
The discussions throughout the event highlighted that companies are currently at different stages of ESG implementation, but share a strong interest in practical guidance, regional cooperation, and accessible learning resources. The event reinforced the importance of collaboration between education providers, SMEs, and regional stakeholders in supporting sustainable transformation across Europe.
