In Rio de Janeiro, on November 13, the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), Yunus Social Business, and SAP in collaboration with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Catalyst 2030, Sistema B  and the National Impact Economy Strategy (Enimpacto), ushered a new era of impactful dialogue with the launch of the Ecoa Forum. This event took place at Casa G20 (Casa de Cultura Laura Alvim) alongside the 2024 G20 Summit. 

The Ecoa Forum was designed to address the pressing need for sustainable procurement across Latin America and beyond. By bringing together key stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, social entrepreneurs, and impact investors, the forum aimed to foster a fertile ground for cross-sectoral collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas.

Through a series of dynamic panels, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, attendees delved into critical topics such as responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency, and inclusive business models. The goal was to generate a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable procurement and to identify actionable solutions that could drive positive change.

The Ecoa Forum was not just another conference; it was an invitation to be part of a movement that was reshaping the way business was done.

Why the Ecoa Forum?

Impact procurement is more than a trend—it’s a transformative approach that has the potential to redefine how corporations and large organizations like the UN interact with social enterprises. By focusing on partnerships that prioritize community value and environmental sustainability, impact procurement can close critical gaps in funding and resources for small and growing businesses (SGBs).

The Ecoa Forum’s agenda delivered robust dialogues and strategic sessions designed to set the foundation for a coalition that moves from discussion to tangible action.

Agenda and Themes

The Ecoa Forum hosted leading experts and practitioners who presented their experiences and insights across various discussions, including:

Opening: Welcome to the Ecoa Forum – Impact Purchasing Coalition

• José Mattos, Head of ANDE in Brazil
• Túlio Notini, Co-Executive Director of Yunus Social Business
• Alexandra van de Ploeg, Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, SAP

Panel 1: Ecosystem Insights – Perspectives from Networks and Supporting Organizations

In the opening panel, sector leaders shared how collaborative networks and strategic partnerships are not just influencing, but actively shaping the growth of sustainable, social and inclusive procurement opportunities.

The conversation brought together Gisela Maria Bernardes Solymos from Catalyst 2030, Camila Oliveira from Salto Aceleradora, Ana Paula Trevizan from Quintessa, and Pedro Frizo from Conexsus – Instituto Conexões Sustentáveis, moderated by Flora Bracco of Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs.

Together, they painted a compelling picture of how intermediary organizations are paving the way for small and growing businesses to connect with corporate partners through innovative, practical solutions and arrangements —streamlined processes, simplified contracts, and even financial supports designed to bridge the gap.

• Key takeaway: There are hundreds of experienced potential verification partners that corporate leaders can partner with to unlock impact procurement in Brazil.

Panel 2: Fireside Chat

Devin Chesney, Interim Executive Director at ANDE, opened the Fireside Chat with a compelling vision: creating locally-led entrepreneurship ecosystems where small and growing businesses can thrive by accessing corporate supply chains.

Joined by Cristina Palmaka, President of SAP Latin America & Caribbean, and Dr. François Bonnici, Director of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the conversation highlighted how social enterprises present a powerful opportunity for corporates to achieve their sustainability and social responsibility goals while promoting inclusivity. At the same time, corporate procurement relationships can be transformative for business growth and scalability.

• Key takeaway: To connect the needs of corporates with the solutions social enterprises offer, the ecosystem of intermediaries must understand the constraints of both sides and help them prepare to collaborate.
• Why does this matter? Small businesses drive over 50% of jobs and contribute significantly to GDP in Latin America. Empowering them through corporate supply chains unlocks immense potential.

Social enterprises often require capacity building to scale while maintaining high quality, and corporates need to identify well-aligned ventures that can meet their needs. The Forum marked the launch of the “Ecoa – Compras de Impacto” coalition, a platform designed to bridge these gaps by fostering collaboration and helping social enterprises scale their impact through corporate partnerships.

From SAP’s Business Network, which connects diverse global suppliers, to the Schwab Foundation’s initiatives advancing social innovation, the panel provided actionable insights on aligning profit with purpose.

Panel 3: Learning in Practice – What Can We Learn from Companies Embarking on the Impact Purchasing Journey

Panelists shared real-world case studies and lessons learned in integrating impactful procurement into their business strategies.

•  Leonardo Medeiros, Founder and COO of Naporta
• João Biarari, Founder of Meu Chapa
•  Alexandra Santos, Superintendent of Zurich’s Shared Services Center
•  Juliana Nobre, Senior Sustainability Manager at Pluxee
• Moderator: Bárbara Ladeia. Corporate Innovation Coordinator at Yunus Social Business.

These sessions were designed to equip participants with actionable knowledge and fresh perspectives that can be applied within their organizations to catalyze social and environmental change.

Join the Impact Procurement Movement

The Ecoa Forum is more than an event—it marks the beginning of a coalition: the Ecoa Impact Procurement Coalition and we need your voice! 

This coalition aims to mobilize resources for social innovators and SGBs by unlocking corporate procurement spending creating a sustainable pipeline of support for world-changing solutions. The ultimate goal? To address and close the $1.1 trillion funding gap that social enterprises face globally.