Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa, which represent 98% of all businesses and contribute 66% of jobs, have the potential to drive significant environmental change. However, a study examining 27 SMEs listed on the AltX Johannesburg Stock Exchange from 2017 to 2024 highlights that many SMEs struggle with adopting sustainable practices due to barriers such as lack of awareness, technical capacity, and access to green finance. While awareness of sustainability issues positively correlates with the likelihood of adopting green practices, many SMEs remain uninformed about the benefits and opportunities available to them. The study suggests that simply providing green finance is not enough; SMEs require additional support, including training and simplified processes to access funding. Policymakers are encouraged to implement awareness programs and partnerships that facilitate access to new technologies, thereby enabling SMEs to contribute to a greener economy. Collectively, the transition to sustainable practices among SMEs can lead to substantial environmental and economic benefits for South Africa.