Evaluation Results principle 9 Nir Ben-Aharon SMBA “Enable SMEs to turn environmental changes into opportunities” • Score – 3 • Government Decision of October 23, 2011 (No. 3768) to promote a "green growth" plan • New government decision: Green Growth center – The plan's terms refer to eco-efficient business and eco-innovation with no specific reference to SMEs but to businesses in general. 9.2 Availability of expertise to SMEs on environmental issues • Score – 4 • A pilot project for eco-efficiency was initiated by the SMBA through one of its operative branches in north-central Israel ("MATI"). The project ran from 2011 to 2012. • The SBA provides mentoring to businesses about environmental issues. This program is partially subsidized for small businesses. • New program of the SMBA for energy efficiency • Manufacturers Association of Israel offers support on environmental issues. 9.3 Promoting the use of environmental management systems and standards • Score – 1.5 • No active promotion of environmental standards is made • Some businesses are aware of the standards and various environmental management systems