10 good things for SMEs
Managers of small businesses in 10 countries from around the world say how ISO standards contribute to their success.
ISO and SMEs
ISO International Standards help businesses of any size and sector reduce costs, increase productivity and access new markets.
For small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), standards can help to:
- Build customer confidence that your products are safe and reliable
- Meet regulation requirements, at a lower cost
- Reduce costs across all aspects of your business
- Gain market access across the world
Setting the standard for services
ISO works across a range of service industries to ensure the needs of all kinds of consumers are catered to.
We have even produced guidance for those who develop standards related to services: ISO/IEC Guide 76, Development of standards for services - Recommendations for addressing consumer issues.
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Find out how ISO is working to support the services that consumers expect and deserve.
Standards make market access easier, in particular for SMEs. They can enhance brand recognition and give customers the guarantee that the technology is tested and reliable.
Learn more about the benefits of standards for SMEs
The small-business advantage
We look at how SMEs promote diversification of economic activities, support sustainable development and stimulate innovation.
ISO Strategy for Service Standardization
ISO developed this strategy because we anticipate that market demand for service standards will steadily increase and we want to make sure that ISO, and its members, have the tools and knowledge necessary to respond to this demand and to the challenges and opportunities it brings.
Top tips for SMEs
Check out our fun infographics that help SMEs get started with standards.
ISO 50001 for SMEs
Whatever size your business is, being less wasteful makes good sense.
Discover our 8 top tips for saving energy that are good for your pocket.
ISO 14046 for SMEs
How much water do you use?
Check out our top tips for measuring your water footprint
ISO 20121 for SMEs
Got a big event coming up?
Check out our top tips for sustainable event management
Publications for SMEs
Discover our publications aimed specifically at SMEs.
ISO 9001:2015 for Small Enterprises - What to do?
A guide for SMEs wishing to implement a quality management system based on ISO 9001:2015.
ISO 22000 Food safety management systems. An easy-to-use checklist for small business. Are you ready?
Practical management processes for all food businesses, from Farm to Fork.
ISO 50001 - Energy management systems - A practical guide for SMEs
Designed to be used alongside ISO 50001, this handbook provides concrete examples and guidance for SMEs implementing energy efficiency measures
Getting involved in standards development
ISO International Standards are developed with the help of a wide range of stakeholders - not just big business. Active involvement helps you shape the rules that define your sector. Don't leave it all up to your competitors.
Not taking part [in standardization] would have cost me my company and my livelihood… What does it cost me if others define rules that are out of line with my needs but which I have to comply with because they are laid down in a standard ? It is best to join in right at the start.
Scuba Schools Dive Training is an SME based in Austria.
Discover more case studies on the Economic Benefits of Standards.
Standards specific to SMEs
ISO Store
- Environmental management systemsGuidelines for the phased implementation of an environmental management system, including the use of environmental performance evaluation
- Security management systems for the supply chainGuidelines for the implementation of ISO 28000Part 2: Guidelines for adopting ISO 28000 for use in medium and small seaport operations
- Security management systems for the supply chainGuidelines for the implementation of ISO 28000Part 3: Additional specific guidance for adopting ISO 28000 for use by medium and small businesses (other than marine ports)
Visit the ISO Store to buy more standards