This research seeks to investigate the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on sustainable performance, specifically examining the moderating effect of strategic leadership within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To fulfill its objectives, the study employs a descriptive analytical methodology. The target population comprised all employees occupying top and middle management positions in SMEs. A questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection, yielding 326 valid responses deemed appropriate for analysis. Findings indicated that entrepreneurial orientation among SMEs was notably high, whereas sustainable performance was assessed at a medium level. Furthermore, the strategic leadership variable was found to moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable performance, accounting for 12.2% of the total variance. The study also demonstrated a statistically significant effect of entrepreneurial orientation on sustainable performance within SMEs. In light of these findings, the study advocates for the adoption of entrepreneurial orientation, as it can substantially enhance companies’ innovation capabilities, competitiveness, risk management, and overall sustainable performance in rapidly changing market conditions.