Not just national governments and global institutions but all businesses are called to integrate sustainability into their management practices, including Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This research examines the crucial role of SMEs in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through strategic partnerships. SMEs, which account for 90% of global businesses and a significant portion of employment, often lack the resources to pursue SDGs independently. Instead, they leverage multistakeholder collaborations to enhance their sustainability efforts. The study investigates the characteristics of effective partners that enable SMEs to contribute meaningfully to the SDGs, revealing that the success of a partnership largely depends on the characteristics of the partners. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, this research employs a case study approach focused on the fashion industry, known for its substantial negative social and environmental impacts. The case study of the fashion brand WRAD, in collaboration with various partners, shows that the companies involved pursue the objective of sustainability in every aspect of their processes. Their collective contribution to the generation of sustainable value is outlined in terms of economic, environmental, social and purpose dimensions. Key findings highlight the importance of proactive leadership, stakeholder engagement, and integrated communication strategies in fostering successful partnerships. The paper suggests further research on partnership dynamics to optimize SMEs' contributions to the SDGs.
