SCIAF says many major companies aren't held to account for the negative impacts they can have on poor communities and the environment.
The organisation wants the government to do more to help poor people who face being forced off their land or very low wages in countries like Colombia.
The report, Taking Care of Business, does highlights how big business can have a positive impact on poverty reduction through job creation and the payment of taxes but says many poor people around the world are not feeling the benefits.
SCIAF is calling for action to ensure that people are put at the heart of business decisions and wants UK ministers to put more pressure on comapies.
Report author and SCIAF Policy Officer Jo O'Neill said: "Despite efforts to tackle irresponsible businesses by governments, human rights and environmental abuses continue to take place, and all over the world human rights defenders continue to be threatened and killed.
"Stronger action from governments is clearly needed. It is time to shift the balance away from the interests of big business and towards those living in poverty.
"While there are positive links between business and efforts to reduce poverty, too many experiences suggest that some businesses are not being held to account by governments for the negative impact of their activities.
"We must demand more transparency from business, particularly those that wield enormous political and economic power. Those who harm poor communities and the environment must be held responsible."