Purpose: This study aims to analyze the interactions within the intellectual property pledge financing framework involving SMBMEs, banks, and third-party intermediaries, focusing on factors that promote sustainable cooperation. Methods: The research employs an evolutionary game model to simulate and analyze strategic interactions among the stakeholders, considering bounded rationality and asymmetric information. Results: Key findings include the positive correlation between SMBMEs’ reputation and timely repayment, the adverse effects of patent devaluation on cooperation, and the reasonable loan interest rates for facilitating GPPFG cooperation. The study also highlights the need for a transparent information platform and reasonable breach of contract compensation. Conclusions: The paper concludes that an efficient GPPFG mechanism is crucial for SMBMEs’ financial support and green transformation. It suggests that third-party intermediaries play a significant role in risk reduction and innovation facilitation. The study acknowledges limitations and calls for future research to explore technological innovations and improve intermediary service systems for SMBMEs’ sustainable development.

In the context of China’s swift urbanization and heightened sustainability challenges, SMCEs in the construction industry play a critical role in driving both economic growth and sustainable development. This pioneering study introduces an integrative approach blending sustainability-oriented strategies (SSs) with financing guarantees, addressing key obstacles faced by these firms. Leveraging a multi-agent computational model, we dissect the dynamic interplay among construction SMCEs, governmental bodies, financial institutions, and guarantors, underscoring the transformative impact of financing guarantees on sustainable advancement. Our investigation reveals that optimally structured financing guarantees not only resolve funding challenges but also actively foster adherence to sustainability practices. This dual functionality positions such financial instruments as key enablers of SMCEs’ quest for sustainability, aligning economic objectives with ecological imperatives. Furthermore, we spotlight the transformative effect of strategic management on elevating SMCEs’ commitment to sustainable operations. Collectively, these insights offer actionable pathways for SMCEs embarking on sustainability endeavors, showcasing innovative financial solutions that do not detract from their economic prosperity.