The Slovene Enterprise Fund announces a new voucher – Voucher for the preparation of a voluntary sustainability report (ESG voucher)

The ESG voucher is published as part of the measure “SME Sustainability Reporting” of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate (MOP) and the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Sport (MGDŠ), implemented by the Slovene Enterprise Fund (SEF).

The ESG voucher represents the first financial incentive for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the field of sustainability reporting. For the implementation of the public call, 1.236 million euros are foreseen for the period 2026–2028, financed from the Climate Fund of the Republic of Slovenia. The purpose of the incentive is to facilitate the preparation of voluntary sustainability reports for companies in accordance with European Sustainability Reporting Standards for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (VSME) or with European simplified ESRS standards for SMEs, thereby strengthening their competitiveness, transparency, and readiness for the increasing demands of the market, investors, and business partners.

Companies will be able to obtain a subsidy for:

• the preparation of a voluntary sustainability report with the help of an external contractor,
• the review of the sustainability report by an authorized audit firm,
• the publication of the sustainability report in the AJPES system.

The co-financing amount is up to 60 percent of eligible costs, with companies being able to receive a subsidy ranging from 1,000.00 to 9,999.99 euros.

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with a registered office in the Republic of Slovenia that meet the conditions of the public call may apply. Applications will be submitted electronically via the SEF ePortal and will be processed in the order of receipt of complete applications. The public call will remain open until funds are exhausted or until March 31, 2028, at the latest.

“Sustainable business practices are becoming an important factor in the competitiveness of companies. With the ESG voucher, we want to enable micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises easier access to knowledge and services that will help them prepare high-quality sustainability reports and integrate sustainable principles into their daily operations.”

Companies have already been preparing for sustainability reporting within the ESG acceleration program

To facilitate preparation for sustainability reporting, specialized training sessions for companies have already been conducted within the ESG acceleration program, where experts presented key requirements, standards, and practical steps for preparing a voluntary sustainability report. All those who could not attend the training sessions or wish to review the content again can access the training recordings at https://www.podjetniskisklad.si/javni-razpisi-pozivi-programi/esg-usposabljanja/. The recordings provide useful support for companies in preparing for sustainability reporting and in utilizing the ESG voucher.

Take advantage of free assistance and information when preparing your application

Within the network of Slovene Business Points (SPOT Consulting), applicants have access to free support with:

• preparing and submitting the application to the public call (including completing the forms),
• preparing and submitting the request for disbursement of funds.

Additional information and clarifications regarding the public call can also be obtained from the SEF:

• during official hours, Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, at telephone number 02 234 12 60,
• and outside office hours, based on a written request sent to the email address: vavcer@podjetniskisklad.si.

Additional information, public call documentation, and application submission are available at the following link: https://www.podjetniskisklad.si/vesg-vavcer-za-pripravo-prostovoljnega-porocila-o-trajnostnosti/