Centre SME Governance
The Centre for SME Governance aims to raise awareness of the importance of good governance for SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups. Good governance is sometimes overlooked but is crucial for sustainable growth. This centre supports SMEs on their path to good governance, taking into account the specific challenges they face at each stage of their growth.
We are convinced that each SME and the challenges it faces are unique. That is why GUBERNA aims to guide entrepreneurs in applying pragmatic, flexible and effective governance policies tailored to their needs.
Quick Overview
For whom?
The SME Centre specifically targets SMEs, regardless of their size or number of years in existence, but also focuses on start-ups/scale-ups. The SME Centre targets companies facing a variety of governance challenges.
Activities
The GUBERNA SME Centre is fully aware of the need for networking and sharing experiences. That is why numerous activities are organised to improve and develop the governance level of SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups.
Exciting events take place throughout the year to promote good governance, such as the "Board of the Year", the "Womed Award" or an event specially dedicated to governance in start-ups. The SME Centre will also give the floor to renowned SMEs through themed interviews. Tailor-made trainings and inspiration sessions with our partner BDO will also be organised. Finally, our members will have the opportunity to discover our new digital tools (Governance Maturity Scan and Board Self Evaluation Tool), which allow them to accurately evaluate their level of governance and their board or advisory board.
Different ways to engage with us
Through the SME Governance Centre, GUBERNA wants to optimise the composition and functioning of boards of directors or advisory councils - as they are a prerequisite for a solid company. More generally, GUBERNA also wants to strengthen the foundations of good governance in the world of Belgian SMEs/start-ups/scale-ups, namely by :
- Professional, objective decision-making
- Transparency
- Definition and delegation of powers
- Checks and balances
As a knowledge institute, we try to achieve the above objectives by carrying out an in-depth analysis of the various aspects of good governance in SMEs. The resulting governance themes and challenges are translated into pragmatic advice, practical tools and inspiring events and training sessions. This is done in close cooperation with our partners, drawing on their extensive know-how. The bottom line is that "content inspires networking, networking inspires content".
Services & Tools
Publications for SME Governance
The SME Governance Centre aims to provide companies with pragmatic and effective support for their governance processes. As a research institute, the SME Centre's work will include:
Challenges for SME governance in 2024, including the new CSRD and CS3D guidelines and their impact.
A governance toolkit with governance basics for start-ups and scale-ups.
A report on remuneration and best practices for SME directors.