This policy brief highlights the critical role of women-owned MSMEs in driving inclusive and sustainable growth across APEC economies, while emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) adoption. It identifies key barriers, including limited access to finance, technical capacity gaps, and the complexity of existing ESG frameworks, which constrain effective implementation. Findings from the workshop indicate significant improvements in participants’ ESG knowledge, confidence, and readiness to act, with many initiating practical measures such as carbon tracking and waste management. The brief underscores a “start small, scale up” approach, supported by simplified metrics, phased implementation, and practical tools. It concludes with targeted policy recommendations, including simplified ESG frameworks, gender-responsive financing, capacity building, digital solutions, and strengthened public–private collaboration. Overall, the brief bridges the gap between awareness and action while highlighting the need for sustained ecosystem support to scale ESG adoption among women-owned MSMEs across APEC economies.