Impact Data: Designing Purpose-Led ESD: Insights That Matter 

Driving Sustainable Growth Through Purpose-Led ESD 

Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) can be much more than a compliance requirement it can be a strategic engine for MSME growth and community impact

Recent insights show: 

  • Only 22% of corporates have fully purpose-led ESD programs, while 78% still treat it as a compliance obligation
  • 39% of programs combine capacity-building and technical interventions, maximizing measurable impact. 
  • 68% of MSMEs experience revenue growth, 55% create permanent jobs, and 47% improve technical capabilities through ESD. 
  • Programs that actively monitor progress are 40% more likely to meet growth objectives
  • 62% of corporates pair funding with capacity-building to ensure MSME readiness, reflecting the importance of timing and support. 
  • Engaging the wider ecosystem matters: 58% of programs involve external partners, and MSMEs in these programs report a 50% higher chance of sustainable growth
  • Long-term success indicators: 53% of MSMEs integrate into corporate value chains, 49% acquire new clients outside the program, and 61% of communities report increased trust and participation. 

At its best, purpose-led ESD empowers MSMEs, strengthens supply chains, and drives sustainable growth for both corporates and communities.