This study analyzes the challenges faced by micro and small enterprises in implementing environmental management practices and their relationship with competitiveness and business sustainability. The research adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on the analysis of reports from three case studies of Brazilian companies in the food and furniture sectors. The results show that the main barriers to adopting environmental management are the lack of financial resources, low technical knowledge, and resistance to organizational change. Despite these limitations, it was observed that simple actions, such as waste reduction, material reuse, and selective waste collection, may generate economic gains and strengthen the corporate image. The study concludes that environmental management can become a strategic factor for competitiveness even in small businesses, provided there is training, institutional support, and incentive policies.