The ESG Ready Programme by DBS is a comprehensive support initiative aimed at helping SMEs to build and strengthen their sustainability capabilities. Through a modular structure and an ESG maturity assessment tool, SMEs can engage at the stage most relevant to their current needs, ensuring tailored support throughout their sustainability journey. The programme covers key areas such as carbon footprint measurement, the development and implementation of decarbonisation solutions, access to sustainable finance, and guidance on obtaining ESG certification and assurance. By leveraging a wide network of expert partners and solution providers, the programme equips SMEs with practical tools, technical guidance, and access to green technologies.
DBS Bank – ESG Ready Programme in Singapore
Abstract
The ESG Ready Programme is an end-to-end initiative by DBS Bank (DBS) designed to help SMEs future-proof their businesses and seize opportunities in a low-carbon economy. Many SMEs remain resource constrained, making it challenging to access the knowledge, tools, and financing needed to embark on their sustainability journey. The ESG Ready Programme bridges this gap – empowering SMEs to build capacity and capability in sustainability and positioning them for long-term competitiveness.
Launched in April 2024 in partnership with Enterprise Singapore1, the programme complements DBS’ broader commitment to expand sustainable financing for SMEs. It is sector-agnostic, holistic, and built around five stages:
Stage 1: Training & Upskilling. Practical, expert-led courses that help SMEs strengthen in-house knowledge and build confidence in sustainability.
Stage 2: Carbon Assessment & Strategy Development. Tools and advisory support to measure carbon footprints (Scopes 1, 2, and 3). Participating SMEs will also be supported by other programme partners to develop tailored sustainability strategies and transition plans.
Stage 3: Implementation of Decarbonisation Solutions. Matchmaking solution providers (e.g. EV suppliers, clean energy tech firms) to make green technologies more accessible.
Stage 4: Sustainable Financing. Access to DBS’ suite of green finance products, including sustainability-linked loans and sustainable trade finance.
Stage 5: ESG Certification & Assurance. Support in obtaining ISO certifications and third-party assurance, helping SMEs validate and showcase their ESG performance to stakeholders.
Recognising that every SME is at a different stage of readiness, the programme adopts a modular design across two different entry levels, basic and intermediate, allowing SMEs to choose pillars most relevant to their business needs. DBS also provides a Sustainability Accelerator Tool that assesses each SME’s ESG maturity level and recommends a suitable entry point.
Singapore has introduced mandatory climate-related disclosures for listed and large non-listed companies in phases from 2025. While most SMEs are not listed, they will increasingly face requests for ESG data from customers, investors and financiers. DBS is also working with its SME clients to prepare them for this environment.
Stronger demand from manufacturing, construction, and supply chain-linked SMEs: Whilst the programme is sector-agnostic, there has been notably higher engagement interest from SMEs operating in sectors which are facing stronger pressures to decarbonise, such as manufacturing and construction. Similarly, SMEs deeply integrated into global supply chains demonstrate strong engagement due to sustainability data requests from partners operating in jurisdictions with more stringent reporting requirements.
Outreach to smaller and micro-enterprises: Many micro and smaller SMEs are keen – but remain unsure where to start. To narrow this gap, DBS has organised masterclasses and networking events which connect SMEs with key stakeholders, as well as highlighted peer success stories to make sustainability more approachable and actionable.
Challenges have included:
Scalability constraints: The success in Singapore highlights the potential of expanding the ESG Ready Programme regionally, where DBS can adapt this model to work with other regional partners. However, scaling beyond Singapore requires careful adaptation, as SMEs across the region operate in diverse environments with varying levels of support.
Government support: Availability of support to help SMEs, including defraying some of the costs for the Programme.
Extensive partner network: By mobilising its network of experts and solution providers, DBS ensures that SMEs receive the targeted support they need to make tangible progress.
Dedicated support: DBS’ programme managers and skills managers offer dedicated support to guide SMEs through their sustainability journey – one they would otherwise have had to navigate on their own.
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← 1. Enterprise Singapore is the Singaporean government agency championing enterprise development.
