The four-day in-person training of the TEBD II Sustainable Growth Support Programme successfully concluded in Ankara, bringing together 24 representatives from Turkish chambers of commerce and industry, and Turkish commodity exchanges to strengthen their capacity to support SMEs in the green transition.

Promoted by the Türkiye-EU Dialogue II (TEBD II), and hosted by Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey he Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), the programme combined expert-led sessions, interactive discussions, and practical exercises designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to help businesses address sustainability challenges and seize emerging opportunities.

Participants were trained to prepare SMEs to embed sustainability in their businesses. . Sessions focused on translating ESG and climate-related concepts into practical services for SMEs, understanding sustainable finance opportunities, applying ESG reporting frameworks, and using human-centred design methodologies to develop new chamber services on green transition.

The training emphasised the increasingly important role chambers play in helping SMEs respond to changing market conditions, regulatory developments, and sustainability expectations across value chains. Participants worked together to identify practical ways to support businesses in improving their environmental performance while maintaining competitiveness.

Additionally, the TESG tool (Turkish ESG) was presented to participants. Prepared in the framework of the TEBD II project, this self-assessment tool is aimed at helping SMEs assess their sustainability level. Based on the tool's results, Chambers can provide a roadmap for SME sustainability transition.

The final day addressed some of the most pressing communication challenges linked to sustainability. Participants explored how to communicate sustainability effectively to SMEs, strengthen ESG positioning, and recognise and mitigate climate risks, and preventing  greenwashing. These discussions highlighted the importance of clear, transparent, and evidence-based communication in building trust and encouraging meaningful sustainability measures.

The programme also provided valuable opportunities for networking, peer learning, and reflection. Participants shared experiences from their respective regions and discussed how the knowledge gained during the training could be applied within their chambers and local business communities.

A strong spirit of collaboration characterised the entire programme, demonstrating the commitment of Turkish participants to supporting SMEs as they navigate the green transition. By strengthening their expertise and expanding their service offer, chambers can play a crucial role in helping businesses become more sustainable, resilient, and competitive.

The completion of this training marks an important milestone in the Sustainable Growth Support Programme and lays the foundation for continued support to chambers and SMEs across Türkiye.