Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) focusing on local environmental or social improvement are targeted by New Ventures, a worldwide initiative that supports their growth.
In 1999, the World Resources Institute launched the New Ventures program to support businesses in developing countries with abundant biodiversity. There are hubs in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. Although New Venture’s scope varies by country, all its Centers provide free development services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them access management resources and funding to expand and have a more significant positive impact on their communities. More than 600 businesses worldwide have benefited from this project so far.
Global Centers
Brazil
In 2002, New Ventures Brazil came into being. More than 10 businesses have benefited from its assistance. Since 2004, it has held an annual “New Ventures Investor Forum” to introduce projects to international financiers. Marcelo Torres currently serves as the Center’s director.
China
Unproven Initiatives The Institute for Environment and Development and China has founded China in 1994. Its development program targets businesses with the goals of energy efficiency, emission reduction, and low carbon consumption, assisting in the form of seminars and discussion boards. There have been over 400 businesses that have attended the workshops over the past seven years, with over 60 having completed the development program and over 20 having received investments totaling over $150 million with the help of the workshops.
Colombia
The Business School at the University of the Andes is responsible for establishing New Ventures Colombia in 2008. With the help of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs, the institution became Colombia’s first accelerator for sustainable businesses in 2009. They have aided more than 22 small and medium firms. It hosts an annual investor that links entrepreneurs with the regional and national corporate sectors.
India
In 2006, New Ventures Inda was established. It helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access financial backing so they may grow faster and have a more significant positive impact on the economy, the environment, and society. As with other institutions, it has a network of mentors who are the chief officers of notorious businesses. Mentors do not charge for their services but instead spend time advising business owners. Every year, New Ventures India hosts an investment forum.
Indonesia
In 2005, Yayasan Bina Usaha Lingkungan, a local NGO with an emphasis on bringing renewable energy to low-income communities, and New Ventures Indonesia formed a partnership to do just that. Its acceleration program is remarkably similar to the one in India, in which businesses who have completed the expedited procedure can then go to an investor conference.
During the event, ten of the most promising companies are chosen to present their operations to a panel of investors and possible business partners. Despite being hosted annually since 2006, 2008 was the first year the event had to be postponed owing to a lack of qualified entrepreneurs.
More than 150 enterprises have attended New Ventures Indonesia’s 3 investor forums and 25 seminars on sustainable business practices, thanks to the organization’s partnership with a local university.
México
The Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza has been a major financial backer of New Ventures México from its inception in 2000. The facility has expanded the most, becoming not only one of the most successful accelerators in the country but also the primary green business accelerator.
Twenty businesses every year receive assistance from the company’s acceleration program, which uses mentors and follow-ups to boost the company’s success. Due to its achievements, it was chosen as the top accelerator in 2011 by Mexico’s Secretary de Economy. As an entrepreneur, Mexico offers you the best chance for success. The “Foro Latinoamericano de Inversión de Impacto” has been hosted annually by New Ventures México since 2011.
Businesses and investors from Latin America convene at the forum to network and discuss ways to boost the region’s energy sector through investment and strategic partnerships. Las Páginas Verdes (“The Green Pages”) was launched in 2008 as a directory of environmentally friendly businesses and services to foster more conscientious purchasing and stimulate economic development.
Green small and medium-sized enterprises can list in the manual for free. In 2011, 200,000 copies were sold throughout the country. Ecofest is an event hosted by the Center that brings together environmental businesses and non-governmental organizations for discussion and networking. There are 25,000 visitors per day.
In addition, they established Adobe Capital, a venture capital fund that targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in underserved areas engaged in environmental and social innovation and is in its early stages of growth.
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